Dhaka: In the face of widespread criticism over the question paper leakage during the ongoing SSC examinations, the government is going to take the SSC and equivalent examinations in a new system from the next year.

Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Sohrab Hossain disclosed this after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.

‘We’ll surely bring changes to the existing examination system. First of all we have to create a question bank. As it takes 3-4 months to prepare question papers, we are unable to apply new method right now,’ he said.

The secretary said they have received some new plans and proposals which will be discussed with the experts. ‘Of them, one common proposal is to create a question bank.’

Asked about retaking examinations held so far with leaked question papers, he did not say anything clearly. ‘A committee is working on the issue. We’ll work as per its recommendations. There’re 20 lakh examinees as well as their guardians. All of them are not criminals.’

Asked whether the upcoming HSC examination, scheduled to begin on April 2 next, will be held in the new system, Sohrab replied in the negative, saying, ‘The new system will not be there as question papers have already been prepared.’

About taking action against those involved in the question paper leak, he said they have already arrested 152 people and investigation will continue even after the end of the examinations.

The secretary also said no one - no matter whether they are teachers or officials—will be spared if they are found with mobile phones in the exam centres during the HSC examinations. ‘They’ll be brought to justice.’

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Posts, Telecommunications and IT Minister Mustafa Jabbar, and senior officials of three ministries and law enforcement agencies were present at the meeting with Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid in the chair.