Four expelled, teachers relieved in Meherpur Open University exam cheating scandal
Four examinees were expelled and two teachers relieved of duties following cheating at a Meherpur college. Journalists were also attacked while filming the incident, prompting a police case.
On August 29, 2026, a serious incident involving examination malpractices, administrative actions, and subsequent violence occurred at the Kazipur Degree College located in the Gangni upazila of Meherpur district.
During the Bangladesh Open University degree first-year English first-paper examination held at the Kazipur Degree College center, four examinees were caught red-handed writing their answers by openly looking inside books. Following the detection of this widespread rule violation inside the examination hall, the supervising authorities took immediate punitive action against the students involved.
Alongside the expulsion of the four cheating examinees, the college and examination authorities moved swiftly against the academic staff on duty. Two teachers were officially relieved of all duties and responsibilities related to examination-related activities due to their failure to maintain proper oversight and discipline during the test.
The situation escalated when media personnel arrived to cover the developments. While attempting to capture video footage of the cheating and the ensuing irregularities at the Kazipur Degree College, journalists faced violent resistance. Two journalists identified as Rabbi Ahmed, Rafiquzzaman, and Moniruzzaman Biplob—representing organizations including Bangladesh Betar, Nagorik Television, and Gangni police station context—were reportedly subjected to physical attacks and severe beatings. Furthermore, the attackers forcibly snatched away the mobile phones belonging to the journalists to destroy or prevent the dissemination of the recorded video evidence.
In the aftermath of the assault and obstruction of journalistic duties, the victimized journalist Rabbi Ahmed took formal legal action. On Friday, he lodged an official case at the Gangni police station, seeking justice for the physical assault and the theft of his mobile phone during the coverage of the Open University examination scandal.
