Answer scripts for public exams are confidential documents, and any breach of their privacy may result in up to two years in jail or fines, warned the Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.

The warning came in a directive issued Saturday (July 19) and signed by the board’s Controller of Examinations, Professor S M Kamal Uddin Hyder. It emphasizes strict confidentiality in the evaluation of answer scripts.

“Answer scripts are confidential documents and are treated as a sacred trust by head examiners or examiners,” the directive said. It noted that no one other than the designated head examiner or examiner—such as a student, teacher, or even a family member of an examiner—is allowed to fill in answer script or participate in evaluation in any way.

The notice further stated that violations of this rule would be considered a punishable offense under the Public Examinations (Offenses) Act, 1980. If proven, the offense could result in up to two years’ imprisonment, a monetary penalty, or both.

To ensure this confidentiality, the board advised all head examiners and relevant personnel to handle and preserve answer scripts with the highest level of secrecy. The directive was labeled “very urgent” and has been sent to all educational institutions and departments under the Dhaka Education Board.

Copies were also sent to the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), the Personal Secretary to the Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division at the Ministry of Education, as well as Deputy Commissioners, Upazila Executive Officers (UNOs), and district education officers across all districts under the Dhaka Board’s jurisdiction.