Massive Fraud Exposed: 471 teachers used forged certificates

A sweeping government audit has uncovered widespread credential fraud in the education sector, revealing that at least 471 teachers in private schools and colleges across the country were appointed using forged academic and professional certificates, officials from the Ministry of Education said.

The findings, compiled by the Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA), have prompted the ministry to initiate disciplinary measures and seek recovery of millions of taka in public funds paid as salaries and benefits.

In one case in Nalitabari, a subdistrict in Sherpur, an assistant teacher at Khalavanga Mokbul Hossain High School was found to have submitted a fraudulent academic certificate.

Verification through the National University, the issuing authority, confirmed that the document was not genuine.

Authorities have determined that more than Tk 3.8 million paid to the teacher is recoverable.

The school’s headmaster, Md. Ali Akbar, disputed the finding, saying the certificate was authentic and that the institution had responded formally to the audit objection.

He added that no final decision had yet been communicated.

DIA officials, however, said their conclusions are based on formal verification from issuing institutions.

“We do not declare certificates fake on our own,” one official said. “We seek written confirmation from the relevant authorities. In this case, the National University has confirmed the certificate is forged.”

The broader audit suggests systemic irregularities. Of the 471 teachers identified, 194 were found to possess forged teacher registration certificates issued by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).

Another 229 submitted fake computer training certificates, while 48 were found to have falsified other qualifications, including B.Ed., BP.Ed. and library science credentials.

The DIA recently submitted its findings, along with recommendations, to the Ministry of Education.

Acting on the report, the ministry has instructed the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) to take necessary action in accordance with the 2025 policy governing staffing structures and MPO benefits in private educational institutions.

The DSHE has been asked to report back on the measures taken.

Officials said the audit process involves collecting copies of teachers’ certificates during institutional inspections and verifying suspicious documents with the issuing authorities.

Most of the irregularities were identified during inspections conducted in 2024 and 2025.

The issue is not new. In 2023, salaries of 678 teachers were suspended over similar allegations of forged credentials, according to DIA officials.

M.M. Shahidul Islam, director of the DIA, said the agency’s role is to recommend action, while enforcement rests with administrative authorities. He expressed hope that the latest audit would help curb such practices and improve accountability.

The revelations have raised broader concerns about oversight failures and the integrity of recruitment processes in Bangladesh’s education sector, even as authorities move to tighten controls and restore public confidence.