DIA Recommends Reinstating Fake Certificate Holders on ‘Humanitarian Grounds’

The Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA) is set to recommend the reinstatement of 123 individuals dismissed from their jobs for using forged computer certificates. The agency has already prepared a draft list for this purpose, despite the Ministry of Education previously taking punitive action against these fake certificate holders.

A reliable source from the Ministry of Education revealed that the DIA identified these individuals during inspections of various schools and colleges. Subsequently, they were sacked, and orders were issued to recover the salaries and allowances they received during their employment. However, the DIA has now unexpectedly proposed reinstating these individuals on ‘humanitarian grounds.’

DIA Director Professor Saiful Islam clarified to The Daily Campus that the recommendation applies only to those who forged computer certificates but later obtained valid certificates from recognized institutions, not to those who forged Non-government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) certificates. “We have prepared a list of 100 teachers, with another 20 to 25 expected to be added. The ministry has responded positively to reinstating those who forged certificates before 2005,” he claimed.

In 2022, 678 individuals were found to have used fake certificates, including 510 NTRCA certificates, 123 computer certificates, 15 secretarial science certificates, five library science certificates, five BDS certificates, one BEd certificate, and 17 other certificates. On 18 May 2023, the Ministry of Education ordered their dismissal and the suspension of their salaries and allowances.

Challenging this decision, the affected teachers filed 87 writ petitions in the High Court, involving 230 individuals. The court ordered temporary reinstatement of MPO benefits for 26 computer teachers. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the DIA has initiated steps to reinstate these teachers, raising allegations of a syndicate extorting millions of taka from dismissed teachers to facilitate their reinstatement.

When contacted, Education Adviser Professor Dr. C R Abrar and Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Siddique Zobair did not respond to multiple calls. However, a joint secretary from the ministry told The Daily Campus, “Those who had fake certificates before joining but later obtained valid ones are being considered. A high-level committee has been formed to review the matter, and the ministry will act based on its recommendations.”

Allegations of Bribery Against DIA Director

Meanwhile, serious allegations have surfaced against DIA Director Professor Saiful Islam, accusing him of accepting bribes worth Tk150 million to recommend the reinstatement of 678 fake certificate holders. A complaint lodged with the Education Adviser claims that he took Tk1-1.5 million per individual to facilitate their reinstatement. The Education Adviser’s office is reportedly investigating, with indications that necessary actions will follow upon verification.

The sudden recommendation to reinstate fake certificate holders and the bribery allegations have raised questions about the DIA Director’s role. Education stakeholders have criticized such a controversial recommendation and the alleged acceptance of bribes by a senior administrative official, sparking widespread debate within the education administration.

Addressing the bribery allegations, Professor Saiful Islam told The Daily Campus, “There is no truth to the claims of accepting Tk150 million in bribes. I don’t know who made these accusations or their motives. I have informed the ministry of my stance. The recommendation for reinstatement was made purely on humanitarian grounds.”