The primary stepping stone of academic life is the examination, which should be a true reflection of a student’s acquired knowledge and merit. However, the shameless festival of cheating currently witnessed in our country’s exam centers is not just a disgrace to the nation; it is akin to sinking a bright future into a dark abyss. When a student attempts to cross the hurdles of examination through illegal means, bypassing the long and arduous path of study, they are essentially tightening a noose around their own intellect and creativity.
Cheating is not merely writing a few lines on a script; it is a dangerous psychological malady that silently shatters the self-confidence and moral backbone of our youth. Those who resort to fraud because they cannot survive the battle of merit may pretend to be brilliant in the eyes of society, but they remain forever defeated by their own conscience.
The development and prosperity of a country depend on its skilled workforce. If we create a vast army of unqualified “certificate-holders” through cheating, they will become nothing more than a burden to the nation. The social hysteria we have created surrounding “GPA-5” has made students more interested in tactical score-boosting than in seeking knowledge. The responsibility for this unhealthy competition lies equally with parents and our social system. If we could have taught them to be true human beings instead of chasing results, we wouldn’t need police guards in exam halls today, nor would this “thievery mentality” have taken root.
When these practitioners of fraud enter the professional world, they face humiliation at every step due to their incompetence. Upon reaching policymaking levels, they spread the toxic fumes of corruption. To keep pace with the developed world, we need a generation that innovates in laboratories; instead, we are occupied with filling our pockets by stealing information from others’ scripts—which is profoundly disappointing.
To save society from this catastrophe, a radical reform of the examination system is necessary to discourage rote learning and properly evaluate a student’s critical thinking and analytical abilities. The state must take a rock-solid stance and ensure exemplary punishment for the dishonest circles using modern technology to leak question papers or facilitate digital cheating.
The role of teachers is paramount here, as they are not just instructors but architects of character. They must sow the seeds of honesty and self-respect within students. A nation that grows up with the stigma of cheating can never stand tall on the global stage; it remains forever dependent, living on the mercy of others. Every student must realize that a small success earned through hardship is far more dignified and sustainable than a mountain of victory achieved through unfair means.
One can earn degrees through cheating, but true respect and love are unattainable because people only respect merit and character. If we cannot uproot this poisonous tree today, our education system will soon collapse, leaving a void that may take a century to fill. The youth must abandon the path of darkness for the path of light, using the pen as a weapon to destroy all evil forces. Every exam hall must be a sacred arena of knowledge where there is no room for injustice.
We dream of building a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh where every citizen is self-educated and skilled. Let us all pledge not to indulge in cheating under any temptation and dedicate ourselves to building a merit-based, equitable society. This must be our ultimate goal. We must awaken our conscience now; otherwise, we will be cast into the dustbin of history.
Cheating is not just a crime; it is enough to destroy an entire generation. It must be erased from society forever. If we wish to be a truly educated nation, ensuring the proper evaluation of merit in exams is the demand of the hour. Through the combined efforts of parents and teachers, the youth will find their moral compass and leave the mirage of lies in search of truth. Education will then no longer be a mere medium for obtaining certificates but a path to the complete development of a human being.
