Rakib Uddin; CTG

A recruitment test under state-owned Padma Oil Company PLC has sparked widespread controversy, as several candidates have alleged question leakage, irregularities in test duration, and unusually rapid publication of results. The claims have ignited intense debate on social media, with netizens demanding a fair investigation.

The written examination for several positions under Padma Oil’s aviation division — including computer operator, mechanic, and fueling attendant — was held on November 1 at Chattogram Collegiate School. The recruitment circular was published on August 13 this year.

Candidates allege the 90-minute exam was abruptly concluded within 45 minutes, without prior notice. They further noted that results were released within four to five hours of the test, raising questions over the evaluation process. A total of 55 candidates passed the written exam — 17 for computer operator, 16 for mechanic, and 22 for fueling attendant roles. The company plans to appoint 19 candidates following practical and viva exams.

Several examinees claimed that question papers and answer sheets were allegedly available in photocopy shops near the exam venue before the test began. Some also claimed they saw individuals selling question scripts for money. “When the paper matched exactly with the one inside the hall, we realized something was wrong,” said one candidate.

Another candidate questioned the speed of result publication: “There were no MCQs, only written responses. How can results be finalized within hours unless they were predetermined?” he asked.

Screenshots and posts shared across social media show candidates expressing frustration, alleging that even well-prepared examinees failed despite performing confidently in the test.

Some also accused members of the recruitment board of unethical practices, including alleged financial transactions for securing jobs. However, these allegations could not be independently verified.

Attempts to contact Padma Oil’s General Manager (HR & Admin) and recruitment board chief Chowdhury Md. Ziaul Hasan and Deputy GM (HR & Admin) Mir Mohammad Fakhr Uddin went unanswered. Calls made to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources’ Coordination & Monitoring-2 Wing official Md. Ahsan Uddin Murad also remained unanswered.

According to an official notice signed by Ziaul Hasan, practical and viva exams began the day after result publication and will continue until November 11 at Padma Oil facilities in Chattogram and Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, aggrieved candidates and social media users are demanding cancellation of the exam and a transparent investigation by authorities to ensure a merit-based hiring process.