Tech-based solution needed

Stating that ethical enhancement of students will not be enough to stop question leaks, Dr Kaykobad yesterday said a technology-based solution is required to stop the spree.

Prof M Kaykobad of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) said this at a roundtable on “Question Leaking and its Solution” organised by Bangladesh Debate Federation (BDF) at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital.

Prof Kaykobad, also the head of Question Paper Leaks Prevention Committee, said an innovative and technology-based solution is needed to stop the menace of question paper leak.

The discussion held between participants from different educational institutions and debate clubs cited the problems and recommended probable solutions to stop question leaks.

They cited the tendency of achieving GPA-5, the requirement of minimum GPA for admission to better colleges, the loopholes in administrative systems, and an absence of proper and visible legal steps against criminals as reasons behind the phenomenon.

Sayeda Atikun Nahar, associate professor of the Institution of Education and Research (IER), Dhaka University, stressed that principle of education is to amplify the potential of a child, adding, public examinations are not enough to judge their development.

"In our country examinations and results hold a very important position over true learning; so most of us run after GPA and examination results", she said.

She recommended reconstruction of the entire education system where students will be evaluated on the basis of overall class performance and extra curricular activities alongside examinations and results.

Zafir Shafiee Chowdhury, director of Bondstein Technologies Limited, recommended using a coding system to stop question leaks. He advised the authorities concerned to use password locked question boxes in examination centres which will open automatically just 10-15 minutes before the exam with the help of software.

Many participants discussed ethical practice of students and parents and urged the government to be more conscious of this issue.

Abdullah Md Shukrana, president of BDF, Dr Nusrat, a member of BDF Committee, spoke. Bulbul Hasan, head of news and current affairs of London-based One TV moderated the programme.