There have been allegations against the examination committee of the Department of Archaeology at Cumilla University (CuU) regarding the loss of the result sheet for the second-year viva examination of the 2021-22 academic batch. As a result, the students of this batch are compelled to retake the viva in the same academic year, causing delays in completing their 5th semester.
The head of the examination committee is the department’s Assistant Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan Khan. Other committee members include Assistant Professors Md. Morshed Raihan and Mohammad Moshiur Rahman.
Talking to students of the department revealed that the 4th semester (2nd year) viva was held on August 21. However, the viva result sheet was lost, and the results have not yet been published. Consequently, the 5th semester exam, initially scheduled for October 26, has been postponed to October 29, as informed by the department.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “This situation is very embarrassing for us. No one dares to speak out because those responsible for the exams might remain in charge in the future. People hesitate to speak up fearing it might affect their results.”
Dr. Mahmudul Hasan Khan, chairman of the examination committee, stated, “According to the rules, four teachers provide marks separately on different sheets for the viva. Then, the average is calculated, and a copy is sent to the controller of examinations. However, this procedure is not strictly followed in our department, and I was unaware of this. I had saved the marksheets in a personal file, but after about two months, when I went to prepare the results, I could not find the file. Later, after taking written affidavits from the students, and with the consent of the examination controller and relevant authorities, the decision was made to hold the viva for the second time.”
Attempts to contact the other two members, Md. Morshed Raihan and Mohammad Moshiur Rahman, were unsuccessful. Even visiting the department office at 2:30 pm did not yield any response from them.
The department head and Associate Professor Md. Sadekuzzaman said, “Preparing the results is not my responsibility; the examination committee handles it. The committee chairman informed me of the issue. I asked him to search carefully, but he could not find the result sheet. Then I asked the committee to discuss the matter. The examination controller informed me via phone that the viva would be held again on October 23.”
He added, “As per regulations, after the viva, the main mark sheet is submitted to the examination controller, and a copy is kept by the committee chairman. Our department has been following this practice.”
When asked if students would feel mental pressure due to retaking the viva, he replied, “If the students agree to take the viva again, then it should not be a major problem.”
Nurul Karim Chowdhury, the university’s Controller of Examinations, said, “Following the Vice-Chancellor’s instructions, I sent a letter to the committee yesterday evening to hold the viva again. Our job is only to sign as per instructions.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Haidar Ali stated, “Since the result sheet was lost, students expressed willingness to retake the viva. To prevent their hardship, I issued an executive order directing the viva be conducted again. Following the rules would have taken much longer.”
Asked whether any action would be taken against the committee, the Vice-Chancellor said, “The academic council will decide on the future course of action regarding the committee members in its upcoming meeting.”