Repeat recommendations in 44th BCS spark vacancy fears

Nearly four years after the circular was first issued, the Public Service Commission (PSC) last night (30 June) released the final results of the 44th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination, recommending 1,690 candidates for appointment.

However, controversy has arisen over the inclusion of several individuals who were already recommended for the same cadre in the 43rd BCS. Many are questioning why these previously selected candidates have been recommended again for identical positions.

Several such candidates told The Business Standard that although a few repeat recommendations had 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.

Feroz Hasan, a former student of the Department of History at the University of Dhaka and currently a lecturer at a government college in Sirajganj after being selected in the 43rd BCS, was again recommended for the same teaching cadre in the 44th BCS.

"Earlier, those already recommended in one BCS were not listed again in the same cadre in subsequent exams. A few cases happened but were seen as anomalies. This time, it seems widespread," said Feroz.

He estimated that nearly 30% of those selected in the 44th BCS for certain cadres had already secured the same cadre in the 43rd. "This kind of duplication has become very visible on social media, especially for education, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries cadres," he added.

Imran (not real name), an alumnus of Bangladesh Agricultural University, was recommended for the livestock cadre in the 43rd BCS and is currently serving in a district post. He too has been selected for the same cadre in the 44th.

"From what I know, at least 20 people recommended for the livestock cadre in the 44th BCS were also selected in the 43rd. The total figure may be close to 50. Similar repetition has occurred in other technical cadres as well," Imran said.

Candidates argue that the PSC has full access to applicants' service history and their no objection certificates, issued by current employers to allow them to reapply. With this information in hand, they argue, the PSC could have avoided recommending already-serving candidates for the same cadre again and instead selected waitlisted or non-cadre applicants.

Meanwhile, vacancy fears are mounting as most repeat candidates are unlikely to join the service under a new batch due to the loss of seniority.

"If I join through the 44th BCS, I'll become one batch junior. There's no incentive for me to do that. I'll definitely not join, which means the post will remain vacant," said Feroz.

Md Boniul Islam, a lecturer currently posted at a government college in Kushtia after being recommended through the 43rd BCS, was once again selected for the education cadre in the 44th.

"In the greater interest of fairness and efficiency, the results should be revised. Candidates who were already selected for the same cadre should be dropped from the list, and eligible candidates from the waiting list should be recommended instead. Otherwise, these posts will remain unfilled," he said.

The PSC has yet to comment on the issue. Repeated calls made to Commission Chairman Mobasser Monem went unanswered.

However, PSC Member Ferdous Arfina Osman told TBS that the commission does not consider the outcome of a candidate's previous BCS examination. "We do not see that as a logical approach," she said.

"Each BCS exam – be it the 43rd or 44th – is a separate competitive process. The PSC treats every exam independently and publishes results strictly based on the merit order of that specific batch."