Noakhali Correspondent: An ICT (Information and Communication Technology) teacher from Rashidpur High School in Sonai Muri upazila of Noakhali, Md. Kamrul Islam, has been appointed as the chief examiner for the English paper of the SSC examination at the upazila level.

The appointment has triggered criticism and concern among guardians and education stakeholders, who fear that it may affect the fair evaluation of thousands of students. According to sources, Kamrul Islam studied Political Science but has been working as an ICT teacher for the past decade under the Comilla Education Board’s SSC examination system.

Despite his ICT background, he has reportedly been involved in evaluating English answer scripts for nearly 10 years and has now been assigned as the chief examiner for English First Paper in the current examination cycle. His appointment has raised questions within the education community, especially as official board guidelines issued on January 12 clearly state that teachers must be assigned exam duties strictly according to their respective teaching subjects through the ETIF (Electronic Teacher Information Form) system.

Violations of these rules are considered punishable offenses. However, documents from the school’s updated PDS database indicate that Kamrul Islam is officially listed as an ICT teacher. Sources also claim that while he has completed a six-month ICT short course, his academic background does not align with English as a subject. Meanwhile, Rashidpur High School’s English teacher Vidyut Sarker, who holds degrees in English from National University and Dhaka College, has also served as an examiner in previous years but was not selected this year.

The controversy has sparked dissatisfaction among local English teachers, many of whom believe that qualified subject specialists are being overlooked, potentially depriving them of professional recognition and fair opportunities. When contacted, Md. Kamrul Islam defended his appointment, stating that he has been involved in evaluating English scripts for the past 10 years and has also taught English classes for students from grades 7 to 10. He denied any irregularities, saying he applied through proper procedures and was selected by the board. He also added that he is currently unwell due to diabetes and has no objection if the board decides to remove him.

The headmaster of Rashidpur High School, Mohammad Amanat Hossain, also denied allegations of irregularities, claiming that Kamrul Islam has long been engaged in English teaching alongside ICT duties and that no unethical process was involved in his nomination. Sonaimuri Upazila Secondary Education Officer Mir Mohammad Motahasim Billah said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Comilla Education Board and that any investigation or action must be taken by the board authority.

He added that he would look into the issue after discussing it with the school authorities. Repeated attempts to contact the Controller of Examinations of the Comilla Education Board, Prof. Runa Nasrin, were unsuccessful.