Raising age limit for govt jobs is justified: Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury

The demand to raise the age limit is justified, said Chairman of the committee reviewing the age limit for government job entry Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury.

Chowdhury made these comments today (2 October) after a meeting with protesting students at the Secretariat.

The committee, led by Chowdhury, was formed on 30 September, following a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration. 

"The committee has been formed to review the age limit for government job entry. There has been an ongoing movement regarding this issue for quite some time, which led the government to form a five-member committee. We have been asked to submit our report within a week," said Chowdhury.

"We have listened to the arguments of those demanding an increase in the age limit. After considering the government's current policy, plans, and overall circumstances, we will make our recommendations. There is no doubt that the demand to raise the age limit is reasonable," he added. 

When asked why raising the age limit is justified, Chowdhury pointed to the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and session backlogs, saying, "Many have faced issues due to these factors, and it is time to reconsider the current age limit for entering government jobs."

Speaking to reporters, protest leader Russell Al Mahmud said, "Our discussion with the review committee was very productive. They listened to our arguments carefully. We now await the committee's decision within the next week."

The demand for raising the age limit for government job entry has gained traction in recent months, with protesters citing delays in education due to the Covid-19 pandemic and session jams. Recently, protesters met with Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus to discuss the issue and seek his support for their cause.