Autonomy key to timely BCS exams, speakers stress at BPSC dialogue

Speakers at a high-level dialogue in Dhaka on 9 September 2025 emphasised that administrative autonomy for the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) is crucial for conducting one BCS examination annually and enhancing trust in the civil service recruitment process.

The event, titled "Transformation of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission: Achievements, Challenges, and Way Forward," was jointly organised by the BPSC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Switzerland.

As the chief guest, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Science and Technology, highlighted the need for public confidence in recruitment. "True reform means creating equal opportunities across public and private sectors, ensuring recruitment is fair, training goes beyond skills to instil values, and institutions enjoy the financial and operational autonomy needed to serve with integrity," he said.

Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser for the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said: "The proposed reforms give us hope that the future of public service recruitment will be fairer and more inclusive. With more opportunities and a narrowing gap between public and private jobs, the BCS process can finally overcome its struggles."

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, emphasised that a merit-based BPSC is crucial for building a skilled, ethical, and innovative civil service.

Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, said: "The Public Service Commission is more than an examination body. For society at large, it is a litmus test of trust in public institutions, based on integrity and meritocracy." He added that, through the Strengthening Institutions, Policies, and Services (SIPS) Project, supported by Switzerland, the UNDP is working with the BPSC to accelerate reform, introduce new methodologies, and strengthen institutional capacity.

Diepak Elmer, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland, reaffirmed his country's support for strengthening institutions that safeguard meritocracy.

In his welcome remarks, Professor Dr Mobasser Monem, Chairman of BPSC, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to restoring trust. Meanwhile, BPSC Member Dr. Chowdhury Saima Ferdous presented the keynote, outlining digital innovations, modern assessment methods, and institutional strengthening.

The dialogue brought together advisers, senior officials, academics, development partners, and media representatives. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, PhD, Secretary of BPSC.