The interim government of Bangladesh made a move that is unprecedented; and may have disastrous implications to the future of hundreds of aspiring civil servants in the country. The recently disengaged 167 candidates, almost selected for cadre posts under the 43rd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations, have become a source of outrage and questions about governance and justice.
A Timeline of Uncertainty
In December 2023, the Public Service Commission (PSC) conducted the 43rd BCS examinations, recommending 2,163 candidates for cadre positions. It was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and determination for these individuals. Yet, political upheaval and administrative policies have eclipsed their success.
Following the fall of the Awami League-backed government, the interim government had issued a gazette notification in October 15, 2024, which appointed 2,064 of the suggested candidates while excluding ninety-nine other candidates. The move, controversial as it may have been, was not the last straw. Two days prior to the joining date, another nail in the coffin struck, when gazetted candidates were to join their workstations on January 1, 2025. A second gazette notification removed 167 candidates from the list.
Challenges in Personal and Professional Life
The culled candidates now find themselves in an unknown void. Most of them resigned from their jobs, anticipating an appointment to their cadre posts; now, they find themselves adrift, without pay, stability, or a clear future. For these individuals, the government is not failing on an administrative level; it is failing more fundamentally and existentially.
“We are proud of the challenging work that led to this milestone. Getting cut at the last hurdle feels as if the state has let us down,” said one affected candidate, expressing the frustration of those impacted.
Legitimacy and Governance Issues
The last-minute denial of these candidates raises fundamental questions about the situation and transparency in the BCS Selection Process. The lack of clear justification or explanation for such drastic measures has led to speculation about political motives, incompetence, and corruption. It undermines the credibility of the PSC and engenders distrust in public institutions.
What is more, the decision at a large individual cost to those people involved. The financial, emotional and professional consequences of this exclusion are far reaching, only leading to greater public discontent and distrust of the interim government.
Broader Implications
This incident involves more than 167 excluded candidates. It shows how systemic cracks have emerged in recruitment for one of the nation’s most revered career tracks. BCS examinations are the path to national service and represent meritocracy. Compromising this process sends ripples through society, fostering distrust in both governance and justice.
A Call for Action
The government must be quick to address this crisis. It is crucial to maintain transparency; both the excluded candidates and the public should understand the precise reasons behind their exclusion. An independent inquiry into this matter could help rebuild trust and ensure accountability.
Additionally, we must provide both financial and emotional compensation to the rejected candidates. That may sound next to impossible but making these individuals available for alternative jobs outside the cadre or simply removing them from future cadre lists may serve some justice.
Conclusion
One of these blatant examples of administrative injustice of the utmost nature demanding immediate redress is the exclusion of the 167 candidates from the 43rd BCS cadre posts. For compatriots, this is not merely a reversal, but a betrayal of their hopes and dreams.] It is a call for the country to remember that the values of fairness, transparency, and meritocracy must reign in public service recruitment. How the government responds to this crisis will surely influence public perception of, and confidence in, the state for justice.