44th BCS: Recommended candidates form human chain demanding quick revision of results, swift recruitment

Candidates recommended in the 44th BCS formed a human chain in front of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) office in Dhaka's Agargaon this morning (15 September), demanding the immediate revision of results, forwarding of documents to the Ministry of Public Administration and commencement of recruitment activities.

The protesters said that after the circular was published on 30 November 2021, the final results were announced on 30 June this year, following a prolonged process lasting nearly four years.

However, even after 2 months and 16 days since the publication of the results, the documents of the recommended candidates have not yet been sent to the Ministry of Public Administration, halting their recruitment process.

Moreover, the candidates said around 372 "repeat cadres" were included in the published results, due to which, an initiative was taken to amend Section 17 of the Bangladesh Civil Service Rules 2014.

But due to slow progress, the process has become prolonged, they added, noting that although the secretary committee concerned approved it, the files remain stuck awaiting the BPSC's opinion, with no progress made.

They went on to say that while recruitment activities for the recommended candidates of the 48th Special BCS are being advanced, the documents of the 44th BCS recommended candidates are being withheld, which they see as discrimination.

At the event, they presented three demands: the immediate announcement of a specific date for a revision of the results; ensuring the gazette publication of the 44th BCS and final recruitment by December 2025; and recommending candidates of subsequent BCS exams only after the gazette publication and recruitment of the 44th BCS are completed.

Several recommended candidates, preferring not to be named, said that even after nearly four years since the issuance of the circular, the recruitment process has not been completed, which is causing them uncertainty and mental stress.

They expressed hope that the commission will act swiftly on humanitarian grounds to end their wait.

The BPSC released the final results of the 44th BCS exams on 30 June, recommending 1,690 candidates for appointment.

However, controversy arose over the inclusion of several individuals who had already been recommended for the same cadre in the 43rd BCS exams.

Many are questioning why these previously selected candidates were recommended again for identical positions.

Several such candidates told The Business Standard after the result publication that although a few repeat recommendations have occurred in past BCS exams, the volume this time is unprecedented.

They fear the overlapping selections could leave multiple cadre posts vacant, further delaying appointments for many waiting candidates.