This isn’t shocking given the extremely competitive job market in Bangladesh, with hundreds of thousands of graduates competing for a handful of job openings, most of which are in the government sector. Recent past has been a “job fest” in both the government and non-government sectors, with regard to demand of trained human resource because of a huge young population as well as aspiration to hire high quality knowledge workers. A View of the Turf of New Recruiting Exams This article offers an overview of the recent scene of recruiting exams, focusing on some of the key trends and difficulties and its effect on job seekers.
Public sector: A destination in high demand
Bangladeshi government employment is prized for its stability, benefits, and social-status cachet. Cadre and non-cadre recruitment is carried out by Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) which, is working as the main authority of government. Current data on 23 recent reviews in both sectors is more difficult to find in a single location but broader trends and greater recruitment activity is evident.
Key Government Sector Trends:
Bulk Recruitment: The government have also announced proposals to fast-track recruitment of huge numbers of staff, including those in essential services such as health and teaching. This would include hiring thousands of doctors, assistant primary teachers and nurses to fill up the already vacant posts. For example, the state plans to hire 30,000 teachers, 6,000 physicians and 3,500 nurses, and seems to be weighing a special Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) test for some of these medical spots.
Long-term Vacancies: Despite continued hiring, some 25 percent (or an estimated 473,000 of 1.9 million approved positions in 2023) of government positions are vacant. This points to a constant recruitment cycle that keeps pumping out job circulars as well as examinations.
Non-Cadre Recruitment in Focus: There is an increasing focus on the rationalisation of non-cadre recruitment. Talks are on the court to constitute a separate Public Service Commission for non-cadre positions to take off some pressure from the overloaded BPSC, as well as remove procedural logjams. So, here’s a major step forward that could help bring faster, more efficient hiring to many agencies.
The Immortals of BCS: The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination is still the most privileged and hardest way to get a government job. It’s a tough, multi-stage affair comprising of preliminary, written, and viva voce tests, and sees a colossal number of applicants annually (about 450,000/500,000).
Changes in Quota System The most significant new development in the government sector during recent times has been the variability in the situation with regard to the quotas. It was abolished in 2018 but was reinstated following a high court decision in June 2024. The apex court however later revised the total number of quota and possible merit quota enhanced to 93 percent instead besides quotas for freedom fighter quota, ethnic minority and 3rd gender/disabled in percentage wise. This has been, and still is, a controversial topic and one that has had consequences for recruitment policy.
Issues with lack of transparency: While the BPSC is known for being fair and transparent, there have been allegations and some instances of corruption and question paper leakages that has led to a loss of trust from the candidates and has proved disadvantageous for the ones who have genuinely worked hard.