A scuffle broke out between two factions of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) during a recruitment examination for the Family Card programme in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali on Saturday, while several candidates alleged that outsiders entered the exam centre and attempted to influence the process.
The clash occurred during the recruitment test for data collectors, supervisors and ICT supervisors under the Upazila Social Services Office for selecting beneficiaries under the Family Card programme.
Officials said a total of 1,155 candidates applied for the three posts, with the 40-mark MCQ exam held from 11:30am to 12:00pm at Bauphal Government Model Secondary School and the Upazila Parishad auditorium.
According to allegations, Akash Talukder, son of former BNP lawmaker Shahidul Alam Talukder, and Bauphal Upazila JCD President Abdullah Al Fahad entered the exam venue during the test, triggering tension that led to a clash between rival JCD groups.
Several candidates claimed the two remained inside the hall with mobile phones to help preferred candidates. Candidate Jasim Uddin Antu said the presence of outsiders raised serious concerns and disrupted the testing environment. He alleged that Fahad recorded videos on his phone during the exam.
Former Bauphal Municipal JCD member secretary Sadikuzzaman Rakib protested the alleged irregularities, which escalated into a scuffle. Rakib alleged he was assaulted after objecting to attempts to influence the exam.
Rejecting the allegations, Akash said he only visited the venue before the exam began to greet candidates. Fahad also denied being inside the venue during the test, calling the assault claim false and accusing a vested group of spreading propaganda.
Upazila Social Services Officer Mushfiqur Rahman confirmed that Akash entered the Upazila Parishad auditorium toward the end of the exam. He mentioned that the reported scuffle did not occur inside the exam hall.
Bauphal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saleh Ahmed said no one is allowed inside an exam hall without authorisation. “The allegations are being taken seriously. We will review CCTV footage, investigate the matter and take necessary action if irregularities are found,” he said.
