PM's adviser calls for end to 'BCS obsession' among youth
He further said that some repeatedly attempt the exams but fail, eventually falling into frustration and despair.
Zahed Ur Rahman, the prime minister's adviser on policy and strategy today (13 April) called on the younger generation to break free from what he described as the "BCS obsession".
Speaking at the inauguration of a report titled "From Gridlock to Governance Renewal : Launching of BPSC Reform Report", organised by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital, he said many young people leave good jobs to continue sitting for BCS examinations as long as they remain eligible in pursuit of becoming cadre officers.
He further said that some repeatedly attempt the exams but fail, eventually falling into frustration and despair.
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"Even from their first year at university, students are often seen with BCS preparation books on their desks. As a result, a significant portion of young people's lives is being consumed by the pursuit of BCS," he added.
"We must come out of this obsession," he said.
Calling for the BCS examination to become more competitive and for the participation age limit to be reduced, he said, "Incentives for joining the civil service should also be lowered."
"The age limit should be reduced, and the exam should be made more difficult," he added.
He also said, "Many young people do not realise that a tougher exam would actually benefit them. If they take the exam once and realise they are not suited for BCS, they will move on to other paths."
He added that such measures might be unpopular with some.
Zahed, who also served as a BCS viva examiner, said that during his time on the viva board he asked candidates questions from their major subjects but often did not receive satisfactory answers.
He stressed that not only minor adjustments but, if necessary, tough and "surgical" decisions would be required.
"Medicine does not work, sometimes surgery is needed," he said.
"Although surgery is painful, it is effective. At times, we must go through difficult periods. This may make us unpopular with many, but it is necessary," he added.
