DU alumnus caught impersonating another DU grad in Exam

A former student of Dhaka University was caught attempting to sit as a proxy for another former student of the same university during the cash officer recruitment examination for six government-owned banks held yesterday.

The incident occurred on Saturday (31 January) at 10:00 am at the Motijheel Government Girls’ High School examination centre. Saddam Hossain, a graduate of the Mathematics Department (BSc 2018, MSc 2019), appeared in place of Majharul Islam, who completed his BA (Honours) and MA in Peace and Conflict Studies in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Saddam Hossain is from South Toriya village in Atwari upazila of Panchagarh district. Majharul Islam is from Satyer Kanda village in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur district.

The centre inspector detected the impersonation during signature verification when the signature on the attendance sheet did not match the one submitted with the application. The matter was immediately referred to the duty executive magistrate.

During preliminary questioning by the magistrate, Saddam Hossain confessed to acting as a proxy. Under normal circumstances, such an offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, fine, and debarment from government jobs. However, Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Dalia Nowshin Lubna, who was overseeing the Motijheel Government Girls’ High School centre along with five others, released him after he submitted a written bond.

In the bond, Saddam Hossain stated: “On Saturday, I committed a grave offence by appearing as a proxy in the cash officer examination. I have realised the gravity of this wrongdoing and undertake that I will never repeat such a mistake in future. Otherwise, I shall be liable under law.”

A senior Bangladesh Bank official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that under the Public Service Commission Act, anyone caught attempting or acting as a proxy can be punished by the executive magistrate with imprisonment up to two years, fine or both. The official expressed surprise that the magistrate chose to release the accused solely on bond.

Examination officials said an organised racket is actively involved in such recruitments, offering “guaranteed” jobs in exchange for large sums of money. These groups arrange proxies, question leaks or use electronic devices to help candidates pass. While Bangladesh Bank maintains strict oversight, it cannot directly impose penalties.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan told reporters: “Whenever such incidents are detected, the person is handed over to the duty magistrate or law enforcement agencies for legal action.”

The executive magistrate concerned confirmed that she had informed higher authorities about her decision to release Saddam Hossain on bond.