Bangladesh Civil Service
Reform Commission recommends completing BCS exam within one year
The Public Administration Reform Commission has recommended streamlining the recruitment process for public service, ensuring a faster transition from selection to appointment and completing the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination within a year.
Public Administration Reform Commission chief Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury and his team, along with Judiciary Reform Commission chief Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman and his team, handed over their respective commission reports to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.
The committee suggested introducing a specific timeline for completing government recruitment processes, particularly for the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) saying that the current process is excessively lengthy.
The report recommended converting the examination into a comprehensive written test.
Reform Commission proposes lesser ministries for better governance in Bangladesh
The report said a merit-based recruitment and promotion policy or law can be formulated for public administration to ensure it cannot be easily altered.
It suggested revising the syllabus for the main written examination of the BCS exam and including the following six compulsory subjects:
Bengali Essay – 100 marks
English Essay – 100 marks
English Composition and Precis Writing – 100 marks
Constitution, History, Heritage, and Culture of Bangladesh – 100 marks
International and Contemporary Affairs – 100 marks
General Science & Technology, Society & Environment, and Geography – 100 marks
Commission made over 100 recommendations for public admin reform
In addition to compulsory subjects, six elective subjects (each carrying 100 marks) may be included in the BCS main written examination, it said.
The commission also recommended publishing the final BCS results along with the merit list to ensure transparency saying that candidates often face confusion regarding their scores.
Candidates failing the BCS examination three consecutive times will no longer be eligible to appear in future exams, it suggested.
1 week ago
Most of excluded candidates likely to join jobs: Senior Secretary
The majority of the 267 candidates excluded from the 43rd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) recruitment process are expected to join their jobs, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Dr Md Mokhlesur Rahman has said.
“The investigation has been completed, and we are working to finalise the process promptly,” Dr Mokhlesur Rahman said following a meeting with the affected candidates on Thursday.
He said the reevaluation of their petitions is currently underway, expressing optimism about the reinstatement of most of the excluded candidates.
Dr Mokhlesur Rahman also spoke about the government’s decision to introduce a dearness allowance for public officials and employees, a measure expected to be implemented soon.
“The dearness allowance issue falls under the Ministry of Finance, but as a committee member, I can confirm that discussions have already progressed, with two meetings held. This allowance will be a significant step, and this time pensioners will also benefit, which wasn’t the case before,” he said.
43rd BCS: Meeting about excluded candidates Thursday
He elaborated that the allowance would be adjusted with the basic salary during the next increment period, ensuring sustainable financial support for government employees.
Responding to queries about the implementation timeline, Dr Mokhlesur Rahman assured that the allowance would be operational before the end of the current fiscal year.
Ministry to reconsider applications of excluded 43rd BCS candidates
“By June 30, or even earlier, Insha’Allah, this will come into effect,” he said, adding that financial advisors and the finance secretary would provide clarity on specific percentages and timelines.
1 month ago
43rd BCS: Meeting about excluded candidates Thursday
The Ministry of Public Administration will hold a meeting for the reconsideration of the applications of 227 candidates who were excluded from the 43rd BCS (Bangladesh Civil Service) examination.
The meeting will be held on February 9 at 11:30 am chaired by the Senior Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman.
The Ministry issued a notice regarding the meeting on Sunday.
According to the notice, among 2,163 candidates recommended by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) for the 43rd BCS, notification for the appointment of 1,896 candidates was issued.
However, due to adverse remarks in intelligence reports, notification for appointing 227 candidates was withheld.
Ministry to reconsider applications of excluded 43rd BCS candidates
On January 2, the ministry announced that it is now accepting applications for reconsideration from candidates excluded from the 43rd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) recruitment process.
1 month ago
Ministry to reconsider applications of excluded 43rd BCS candidates
The Ministry of Public Administration has announced that it is now accepting applications for reconsideration from candidates excluded from the 43rd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) recruitment process.
This decision follows the issuance of a directive on Thursday, which opens the opportunity for all excluded candidates to apply for a review.
According to the order, the Public Service Commission (PSC) had recommended 2,163 candidates for recruitment to various cadres under the 43rd BCS on January 25 last year.
These recommendations were made after preliminary verifications by the Special Branch (SB) of the police and the respective district commissioners, as per Rule 4 of the BCS Recruitment Rules, 1981.
Excluded candidates from 43rd BCS demand fresh gazette by Jan 5
Following further screening, a gazette notification on October 15 finalised the recruitment of 2,064 candidates.
Grounds for Exclusion
The gazette excluded 99 candidates, comprising 40 who were absent during medical examinations and 59 deemed ineligible based on agency reports.
Concerns regarding the transparency and reliability of the recruitment process prompted further scrutiny. To address these concerns, the ministry decided to reassess the pre-appointment character verification of all 2,163 recommended candidates through the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).
Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikyo Parishad calls BCS new gazette 'discriminatory'
Reports from the intelligence agencies revealed adverse remarks against 227 candidates regarding their character and suitability. Later, these candidates were temporarily deemed ineligible for appointment, with the ministry opting for additional investigation into their cases.
Current Status
Following the additional scrutiny, a final gazette was issued on 30 December, confirming the recruitment of 1,896 candidates. This figure accounts for the exclusion of the 40 candidates absent from medical examinations and the 227 candidates flagged for adverse remarks, totalling 267 exclusions.
Reconsideration Opportunity
The ministry’s latest directive ensures that any of the 227 temporarily excluded candidates can submit applications for reconsideration.
The directive emphasises that this opportunity is open to all candidates seeking a review of their exclusion.
1,896 candidates appointed in revised 43rd BCS list; 168 excluded
This move aims to restore confidence in the government recruitment process and ensure a fair and transparent selection procedure for all eligible candidates, officials said.
1 month ago
Excluded candidates from 43rd BCS demand fresh gazette by Jan 5
Candidates excluded from the previous gazette of the 43rd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) have demanded a fresh gazette by January 5 to facilitate their joining by January 15.
The demand was made at a press conference held on Thursday at 12:30 PM in front of Dhaka University's Central Library.
They expressed their frustration at the press conference organised under the banner of "Gazetted Officer Candidates Excluded from the 43rd BCS,".
The candidates said on December 26, 2023, the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) recommended 2,163 candidates for 26 cadres.
Following investigations, these candidates were gazetted on October 15, with a joining date initially set for November 17, which was later deferred to January 1.
Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikyo Parishad calls BCS new gazette 'discriminatory'
However, they said 222 candidates, including 168 listed in a second gazette issued on December 30, were ultimately excluded.
Many of these excluded candidates have since become unemployed, they said.
In a written statement, Masuma Akter Sithi, one of the excluded candidates, said, "The exclusion of 222 candidates and their families from the gazette has left them socially marginalized, deeply disappointed, and confused. Achieving an egalitarian Bangladesh through the July Revolution requires a merit-based civil service. Despite being recommended and gazetted earlier, our exclusion from the reissued gazette is unjust and contradicts the principles of the July Revolution."
1,896 candidates appointed in revised 43rd BCS list; 168 excluded
Masuma recounted their protest at the Secretariat, saying, "Yesterday, we went to the Secretariat amid strict security measures. Three representatives from our group were allowed inside, but no one met with us. While we submitted a petition, we have yet to receive any response."
"We have no political affiliations or criminal records. Despite this, we were excluded without explanation, leaving us feeling utterly helpless," she said.
Shah Mohammad Raihan Mia, another excluded candidate recommended for the Education Cadre shared his frustration saying, "Our initial verification occurred under the previous government, and our first gazette included all of us after re-verification under the current government. Yet, we were later excluded without any clear reason."
1 month ago
Sarwar Alam takes over as President Press Secretary
Md Sarwar Alam, a former information cadre official, has assumed the role of Press Secretary to the President with the rank of Secretary on a two-year contract.
Sarwar Alam, an officer from the 84th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), succeeds information cadre fellow Md Joynal Abedin.
Joynal Abedin formally handed over the responsibilities to his successor at the Bangabhaban Press Wing on Tuesday noon.
The government appointed Sarwar to the position for a two-year term starting from his joining date. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Monday.
Sarwar Alam, who hails from Feni, completed his graduation and post-graduation in Geography and Environmental Science from Dhaka University.
Read: National election by June 30, 2026: Press Secretary
He joined the Bangladesh Civil Service through the BCS examination and has served in various capacities throughout his career.
From 2006 to 2008, Sarwar served as Deputy Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He also worked as Deputy Press Secretary to former President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser of the then caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.
Sarwar Alam retired from government service in 2023 after being on post-retirement leave (LPR) since 2022. During the Awami League regime, he was kept on OSD for an extended period.
1 month ago
3.7 lakh govt posts vacant: Public Admin Minister
A total of 3.70 lakh positions out of 19.151 lakh government jobs remain vacant, Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain said today.
The minister revealed this information during a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF).
Addressing a question about women lagging behind in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), the minister noted that out of 58 secretaries under Public Administration, 11 are women. Besides, there are 75 female additional secretaries, 164 female joint secretaries, 394 female deputy secretaries. Additionally, there are 658 senior assistant secretaries, seven female deputy commissioners, 151 female UNOs, and 88 female AC land officers.
State Minister for Public Administration showcaused for violating electoral code of conduct
“We are making progress in women empowerment, with women constituting 29 percent of government job holders,” he stated.
“In the 35th BCS, 27.95% are female governments officials, in 36th BCS, the number of female officials are 26.22%, in 37th BCS, 24.37% are female officials, 26.91% female officials found in 38th BCS, the rate of female officials in 40th is 26.03% and in 41st BCS the number stands at 26.71%,” he said.
In the 29th BCS, 46.81% females were appointed as government officials while the rate surpassed to 49.02% in the 42nd BCS, said the minister.
The minister said, even after the cancellation of 10 percent women quota, women are getting recruitment as before. There was no disruption here. From the 40th BCS, there is no quota for women, he said, adding that the rate of women in BCS has not decreased.
A total of 26-27 percent women were recommended for each BCS, he said.
PM Hasina distributes 'Bangabandhu Public Administration Award to 28 officials, 2 departments
Responding to a question about allegations against 351 government officials from grade-1 to grade-9 over the past ten years, Farhad Hossain said that 41 received severe punishment and 140 received light punishment. In total, 181 officials were punished, while 170 were discharged.
Regarding concerns about not maintaining policy in promotions, the minister assured, “Promotions and postings are conducted following proper policies. We have a well-ordered system. It’s important to consider various factors such as officers studying abroad under government scholarships, assignments in embassies abroad, and health issues of some officers. We take all these factors into account.
BSRF president Fasih Uddin Mahtab and its general secretary Masudul Haque administered the programme.
Over 3.55 lakh posts vacant in public administration: State Minister
8 months ago
Lutful Azim elected BCSA president, Shamim secretary
Tax commissioner Md Lutful Azim and additional tax commissioner Sheikh Shamim Ahmed have been elected president and secretary of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Taxation) Association (BCSA) for the term of 2024–25.
BCSA elected the new committee at the organization's annual general meeting (AGM), held at a hotel in the capital on Friday.
CARE Bangladesh signs MoU with Institute of Public Health Nutrition, National Nutrition Services
National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem was present at the AGM as the chief guest.
Tax commissioners Kabir Uddin Molla, Ikhtiyar Uddin Mohammad Mamun, and Additional Tax Commissioner Mohammad Fazle Ahad Kayser have been elected vice presidents.
ERDFB holds seminar on ‘Victory of democracy in 12th parliamentary elections’
Tax Commissioner Zakir Hossain was elected treasurer, while Joint Tax Commissioner Mohammad Masum Billah and Joint Tax Commissioner Md. Mehdi Hasan was elected as joint secretary.
Deputy Tax Commissioner Mohammad Ariful Alam was elected as the office secretary; Deputy Tax Commissioner Kazi Rukaia Sultana was elected as assistant-office secretary; Deputy Tax Commissioner Md. Mohidul Islam Chowdhury was elected research secretary; and Deputy Tax Commissioner Md Ekramul Haque was elected assistant-research secretary.
Gas supply to Ctg, elsewhere starts improving as LNG terminal resumes production
Among others, the current president of the organisation and NBR member Iqbal Hossain Secretary General Additional Tax Commissioner Md Mahmuduzzaman, Convenor for the AGM and Election-2023 Committee, and Tax Commissioner Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqi, spoke at the event.
1 year ago
Serve people with devotion, change their fate, PM tells newly appointed govt officials
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked a team of the newly appointed public servants to devote themselves for changing the life of the people.
“All have to indulge with patriotism, you have to devote yourselves to change the fate of the people of the country,” she said.
The Prime Minister said this while addressing the certificate-giving and closing ceremony of the 124th, 125th and 126th Law and Administration Training Courses at Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy in capital’s Shahbag area.
She also directed them to identify themselves as “the servants of the public.”
“I want that you will serve the people aiming to advance the country towards development,” she said.
She reminded them that a country needs to concentrate on developing communication infrastructure, health, agriculture, education, power systems to build it as a developed and prosperous one alongside taking welfare programmes for the people.
“I believe our new officers act accordingly,” she added.
The Prime Minister also asked the new officials to prepare themselves for the transition in 2041 as the government has fixed the deadline to transform the country into a developed one by then.
“Many things depend on the new officials of the administration and they will have to advance with appropriate plans,” she said.
The new officials of the administration have the scope to change the fate of the commoners, she said adding that her government puts priority on developing the country from the grassroot level.
Read: Do your best to boost food production to keep Bangladesh free from famine: PM Hasina urges youth
Quoting from the speech delivered by Bangabandhu in 1972, the Prime Minister said that the government officials will have to dedicate themselves for delivering services and give priority on the national interest rising above all.
She mentioned that patriotism and sense of self dignity of the government officials is very important.
Hasina put emphasis on educating the people and creating employments for the youths and said that her government has opened the private sector.
She mentioned that no nation can achieve desired development unless both male and female can advance together in a society.
Pointing out Covid pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war followed by sanctions and countersanctions, the Prime Minister renewed her call to increase production to ensure food and nutrition security in the country.
She said that the government has been able to keep the wheels of the country’s economy running despite Covid-19 pandemic.
Hasina, however, mentioned that people around the world including developed countries like the United States and other countries in Europe have been suffering due to the Ukraine war.
She called upon the field level officials to play their role to encourage the rural people to increase food production to face the situation.
She also stressed the need for establishing food processing industries in the country while setting up of new industrial units are planned.
Hasina also underscored the need for maintaining cleanliness and planting saplings across the country to protect the environment.
Referring to her government’s steps of gifting homes to homeless people, the PM reiterated that not a single family will remain homeless in Bangladesh and it was the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
She reminded all that there were no Bangalees on the posts of secretary, general and major general rather only a colonel during the Pakistan period.
She said now in independent Bangladesh everybody is getting that opportunity.
Read:None can chew up forex reserve, it’s for the people: PM Hasina
The PM asked the new officers to study the secret documents on Bangabandhu--a compilation of the Pakistani intelligence reports against the independence leader since 1948.
She said that eleven volumes of the 14-volume set of the secret documents have already been published, adding there is no country in the world, which published secret documents of their leaders.
“I think, if everyone reads it, it will be easy to know the history of Bangladesh and protect the generation from knowing distorted history alongside knowing the ways to make the country developed,” she said.
She advised that the new officers should read the Ausamapta Atmajiboni (The Unfinished Memoirs), Karagarer Rojnamcha (The Prison Diaries), and Amar Dekha Naya Chin (The New China as I Saw), to know the true history of the Liberation War or how much struggle and sacrifice Bangabandhu endured for achieving the country's independence.
The PM said that her government has been establishing 100 economic zones across the country to stop indiscriminate building of industries mainly to protect the arable land and generating huge employment.
To this end, she asked the freshers to educate the masses about protecting the environment through forestation and tree plantation.
The Prime Minister also distributed certificates and awards among 103 trainees of the 124th, 125th and 126th law and administration training courses.
Earlier, she unveiled the plaque of Bangabandhu Study Centre there and visited it. She also unveiled the wrap of a compilation book containing her speeches at the Academy.
A video documentary on Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy was also screened.
State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain, senior secretary of the Ministry KM Ali Azam and Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy Rector Mominur Rashid Amin also spoke at the programme.
2 years ago
42nd special BCS results published
The final results of 42nd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination were published on Thursday.
Altogether, 4,000 candidates were recommended for assistant surgeon’s post, said a press release of Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC).
Read: 43rd BCS preli exam rescheduled for Oct 29
Meanwhile 1,919 candidates passed as non-cadre who were not recommended due to shortage of post.
Details of the results are available at PSC website: www.bpsc.gov.bd. The results can be known through text messages by typing PSC42Registration Number and sending to 16222.
Read: 41st BCS preliminary test results published
To fill up the 2,000 vacant posts of assistant surgeon amid the crisis of Covid-19 situation the PSC published a circular on November 30, 2020.
Later PSC added 2,000 more posts of assistant surgeons through another notice.
3 years ago