Bangladesh, April 17 -- 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 N...