Why Fabricated Certificates Threaten the Integrity of the Education System

Imagine students study and work hard, giving their full effort to achieve good grades and complete their graduation. But what if someone can simply buy an original graduation certificate within just a few days without any educational qualifications by paying money to an organized forgery network. This alarming reality is happening in Bangladesh, where forged certificates are being sold openly. Such practices not only undermine the value of genuine degrees but also threaten the credibility and integrity of the entire education system.

Recently, an investigation by News24 uncovered a shocking network involved in certificate forgery, exposing a key individual named SK Rakib and his associates. According to the report, this group openly advertised their illegal activities on social media, claiming they could provide original graduation certificates from reputed universities within three days. They even detailed prices and delivery processes publicly, luring people with promises of quick success. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement within the education sector.

Certificate forgery has become a pressing concern in Bangladesh, posing a serious challenge to the credibility and trustworthiness of the education system. It involves the production or use of fake academic documents such as school, college, and university certificates to gain admission, employment, or other opportunities. With the rapid expansion of higher education and increasing competition for jobs, cases of forged certificates have risen alarmingly. This problem undermines the integrity of academic institutions, affects genuine students, and damages the country’s global reputation.

Certificate forgery refers to the deliberate creation or alteration of educational documents to falsely claim academic qualifications. These forged documents are often used by individuals seeking jobs in both the public and private sectors or trying to migrate abroad. In Bangladesh, sophisticated forgery networks now operate digitally, making fake certificates look highly authentic. Modern technology like advanced printers and design software has made detection more challenging. As a result, employers and educational institutions struggle to verify documents, leading to widespread fraud and a lack of accountability.

In 2025, Bangladesh continues to experience a sharp rise in certificate forgery cases. According to recent reports, several job recruitment exams were marred by candidates submitting fake certificates. Even some teachers and government officials have been caught using fraudulent academic documents. The problem has reached universities, where admissions are sometimes based on forged results. Authorities like the Anti-Corruption Commission and law enforcement agencies have launched crackdowns, but the networks involved are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This growing trend threatens the credibility of the nation’s education sector and overall workforce.

Multiple factors drive the rise of certificate forgery in Bangladesh. Unemployment and intense competition for limited job opportunities push some individuals to seek shortcuts. Corruption within certain institutions allows for fake certificates to be issued illegally. A lack of strict monitoring and weak verification processes make it easier for forgeries to go undetected. Social pressure to obtain prestigious degrees and the desire to migrate abroad also play significant roles. Additionally, limited awareness among employers about modern verification tools contributes to the persistence of this problem.

The impact of certificate forgery on the education system is severe and long-lasting. It erodes public trust in academic institutions, as people begin to question the value of legitimate degrees. Genuine students and graduates face unfair competition when fake degree holders secure jobs or opportunities through dishonest means. This leads to a decline in motivation among hardworking learners. Over time, institutions themselves lose credibility both nationally and internationally. If not addressed, this issue can result in a workforce that lacks proper skills and knowledge, harming the country’s overall development.

Employers in Bangladesh face significant challenges due to certificate forgery. Many companies, including government organizations, have hired individuals who later turned out to lack the necessary qualifications. This not only reduces productivity but also creates risks in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and education, where skilled knowledge is crucial. For instance, unqualified teachers or doctors with forged certificates can cause direct harm to students and patients. In the long run, such fraudulent practices undermine the quality of the workforce and hinder national economic progress.

Advancements in technology have played a dual role in certificate forgery. On one hand, digital tools have made it easier for criminals to create realistic fake documents. High-quality printers and editing software enable forgers to replicate logos, signatures, and security features with alarming accuracy. On the other hand, technology also offers solutions for detection. Digital databases, online verification systems, and blockchain-based credential platforms can help institutions verify academic records. Recently several universities and boards in Bangladesh are beginning to adopt these systems, though implementation remains uneven.

Bangladesh has laws to address certificate forgery, including provisions under the Penal Code and the Information and Communication Technology Act. Forgery is considered a serious offense, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to financial penalties. For example, under the Penal Code, creating or using a forged document can lead to a prison sentence of up to seven years. In recent years, the government has taken steps to tighten laws and improve enforcement. However, lack of coordination among agencies and limited resources often hinder effective action against offenders.

The government of Bangladesh has introduced several initiatives to curb certificate forgery. The Ministry of Education has launched online portals for verifying academic results and certificates. Some public examination boards now issue digital certificates with QR codes to reduce the risk of duplication. Law enforcement agencies have also increased raids and investigations to dismantle forgery networks. Despite these efforts, more comprehensive strategies are needed, including stronger monitoring mechanisms and inter-agency collaboration to tackle the problem effectively and at the root level.

Schools, colleges, and universities play a crucial role in preventing certificate forgery. Institutions must implement strict internal controls to secure their certification processes. This includes using advanced security features like watermarks, holograms, and encrypted barcodes on official documents. Regular audits and cross-checks can help detect irregularities early. Additionally, educational institutions need to collaborate with government authorities and employers to maintain a centralized digital record system. Training staff to recognize suspicious documents is also essential for strengthening the fight against forgery.

Raising awareness among the public is key to reducing the demand for fake certificates. Many people resort to forgery due to ignorance about the consequences or pressure from society. Campaigns should highlight the legal penalties and moral implications of using forged documents. Students, parents, and job seekers must be educated about the importance of honesty and the value of genuine qualifications. NGOs, media outlets, and community organizations can play an active role in spreading this message and encouraging ethical practices in education and employment.

To protect the integrity of Bangladesh’s education system, urgent and collective action is needed. Stronger enforcement of laws, widespread use of digital verification tools, and strict monitoring at every level are essential steps. Collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and communities will create a comprehensive approach to tackling certificate forgery. If immediate measures are not taken, the country risks long-term harm to its workforce and international reputation. Safeguarding academic integrity today will ensure a stronger and more credible education system for future generations.


MD. Noor Hamza Peash is a
legal researcher and a
freelance columnist.