BNP for cancelling 43rd, 44th, 45th, 46th BCS exams

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has demanded cancellation of 43rd, 44th, 45th and 46th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations.

It also called for scrapping recommendations, made by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), for appointing a total of 2,064 candidates in different cadre services of the 43rd BCS.

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed made the demands at a press briefing at the party chairperson's political office at Gulshan on Thursday.

Politically biased former BPSC members suggested that the interim government appoint 2,064 candidates, who have affiliations with Chhatra League politics, in different cadre services, he said.

The government has issued a circular to this end, according to Mr Ahmed.

He said the Dr Yunus-led interim government was installed at the cost of lives of hundreds during the student-mass uprising against fascist Sheikh Hasina.

"The countrymen are disappointed at the decision made by the interim government for appointing 2,064 candidates in different cadre services," added the BNP leader.

He said the government's decision was not acceptable and it went against the interests of the country and the nation.

Mr Ahmed said the people were demanding that Chhatra League be banned as a terrorist organisation.

After independence, he said, the then Awami League government appointed party cadres in different services in 1973 almost without the due process.

The administration was politicised through that controversial appointment, he maintained.

"Those who were appointed in 1973 formed Janatar Mancha in 1996 and participated in political programmes of the Awami League, thereby pushing the country towards anarchy."

After assuming power in 1996, Mr Ahmed said, the then Awami League turned the public administration as subservient and loyal to the party.

"From 2009 to 2024, the AL again politicised the public administration and established its total influence through appointing people who were loyal to the party at all gazetted and non-gazetted posts," he continued.

"We, therefore, on behalf of the country and the people call upon the interim government to cancel 43rd, 44th, 45th and 46th BCS exams."

He said the appointment in 43rd BCS was done based on political consideration (loyal to Chhatra League) by depriving meritorious and genuine candidates.

Mr Ahmed further said that viva voice of 9,000 candidates of 44th BCS exams started and 3,000 candidates have so far appeared that exam.

He welcomed the government decision to extend the age limit to enter into public service, saying that meritorious students would get an opportunity.

Mr Ahmed, however, laid emphasis on the appointment in government jobs through a transparent process after reforming the BPSC.