Rehana Khatun,  a jobseeker in her early 30s, has expressed her hope of reviving her lost dream following the recommendation to raise the age limit for entering government service to 35 years for men and 37 years for women. "I had lost my dream, but now I have got the second chance to reclaim it," said Rehana, who completed her graduation and post-graduation in Bengali from Islamic University, Kushtia. The Public Administration Reform Commission, formed by the interim government, has recommended the government to raise the maximum age for applying for public service jobs to 35 years for men and 37 years for women. Rehana, mother of a two-year-old baby, said she faced viva voice of 7-8 job examinations, but failed to get any government job. “As I have already crossed the existing age limit of 30, I lost my dream and had to bow down to my fate as the previous government was adamant not to increase the age limit,” she said. Rehana said she had quit her all efforts and preparatory works for job exams, but now she is going to restart that with fresh enthusiasm as the recommendation is placed. Rehana, an inhabitant of Khuksa municipality in Kushtia, said she was very interested in a good job like government one as she is the eldest among her four siblings. But she did not get enough time and scope to enter the public jobs as the session jam killed two years before completing her post-graduation at the end of 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic killed another two years. Thousands of jobseekers left in uncertainty as PSC halts recruitment exams She said the recommended 37-year age limit for female is not irrational as the girls face more adversities than their male counterparts in life. Another jobseeker, Sohel Amin, 31, who completed BBA and MBA from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), said they welcomed the recommendation as they now can dare to dream again for a public service job. “Though we’ve demanded for raising the age limit to 35 years and withdrawing this limit in some cases like education, health and research-related jobs, we’re still happy what now they recommended,” he said. Sohel said they also welcomed the 37-year age limit for women saying that even it would have been better if the committee recommended for withdrawal of this age limit for women. He said they have been placing the demand for rising the age-limit over the last 12 years but the demand was irrationally ignored by the previous government. Describing the interim government as a student-friendly one, he said, “We’ve become more hopeful over the fulfillment of our demand as the new government took over the charge.” Shariful Hasan Shuvo, convener of a jobseeker platform, ‘Chakrite Abedoner Boyos Sima 35 Prottasi Sikkharthi Sommonnoy Parishad,’ said they are happy with the recommendation what the commission placed. “It’s reflection of our demand. We’re happy with the recommendation. But we expect there would no deviation in recommendation and it would be placed in the council of advisers and published in a gazette notification soon,” he said. Shuvo said their seniors started the movement in 2011 to meet the demand for raising the maximum age limit for entering government service after the government increased the retirement age to 59 years from 57 years. About the rationale of the demand, he said it takes 27-28 years for a student to complete post-graduation and the average life expectancy significantly enhanced in the country. Now the maximum age limit for all to enter public service is 30, while the limit is 32 years for children and grandchildren of freedom fighters. Govt job entry age: Reform Commission Chairman explains recommendations

BCS, non-cadre, and other jobseekers are in deep despair as the Public Service Commission (PSC) has effectively halted recruitment and promotion exams since the student uprising against the then Awami League government. The PSC, responsible for recruiting various government positions, has faced a complete standstill, affecting hundreds of thousands of jobseekers. The stalling of recruitment processes, including the viva voce for the 44th BCS and evaluations for the 45th BCS, has resulted in a significant backlog. Although the 46th BCS written exam was scheduled for this month, its status remains uncertain. Insiders claim the situation is improving since the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus has taken charge, with hopes for a return to normalcy. PSC officials reported that recruitment was halted during the student protests, leading to the suspension of both cadre and non-cadre exams. Currently, only recruitment and departmental exams are on hold, while some departmental activities continue. The oral exam for the 44th BCS was temporarily suspended after a special PSC meeting during the protests, with a new date to be announced later. The 44th BCS recruitment aims to fill 1,710 positions across various cadres, including administration, police, foreign affairs, and education. Amidst these challenges, Sarjis Alam, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, has called for urgent reforms within the PSC and a swift resumption of job exams. He emphasized that the priorities of the youths who led the uprising must not be forgotten. The PSC is undergoing a reorganization, leading to the resignation of the chairman and 12 members on October 8, 2024, with more expected to follow. On October 9, Professor Dr Mobasser Monem was appointed as the new PSC chairman, alongside four other members, as announced by the Ministry of Public Administration. Initially, the PSC suspended recruitment exams on July 18 due to escalating tensions during the quota reform movement. While the written exam for the 45th BCS was completed, evaluations have stalled, and various recruitment and departmental promotion exams have been delayed. The first half-yearly departmental exam for BCS cadre and non-cadre officers, scheduled for September 14, was postponed, causing further distress for thousands of officers across different cadres. The PSC has not provided a revised schedule for the postponed exams, leading to uncertainties regarding the timely publication of the 47th BCS notice. Although the PSC aims to publish it by November 30, the Ministry of Public Administration has yet to make a decision. Candidates are concerned about potential age exemptions if delays continue.   A candidate for the viva of the 44th BCS told UNB that PSC's stagnation stems from the July uprising, highlighting delays in the gazette for the 43rd BCS, the unfinished viva for the 44th BCS, and uncertainty surrounding the 45th and 46th BCS exams. The candidate lamented the despair faced by hundreds of thousands of job seekers during this period of uncertainty. Another candidate noted that since the new government took over, PSC activities have been completely halted. A meeting on September 30 aimed to establish dates for all postponed BCS exams and restore normalcy, but recent resignations have reignited uncertainty. PSC Secretary Abdullah Al Masud Chowdhury told this correspondent that more resignations are expected soon at the PSC. He acknowledged the stagnation in PSC activities due to the change in government, resulting in a backlog of work. However, he expressed hope for starting the oral exam for the 44th BCS within a month. Regarding the 45th BCS, Chowdhury indicated that evaluations are ongoing, with the possibility of involving a third examiner if discrepancies arise. However, the timeline for starting the written exam for the 46th BCS remains unclear. On the 47th BCS notice, Chowdhury indicated that they are prepared and awaiting a demand letter from the Ministry of Public Administration. He assured that efforts are underway to conduct other recruitment and promotion exams promptly.

Professor Dr. Mobasser Monem has been appointed as the Chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC). The Ministry of Public Administration on Wednesday issued a notification in this regard. The appointment came a day after the resignation of PSC Chairman Md. Sohorab Hossain and 12 other members of the commission. The notification states that President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed Professor Monem as chairman under the powers vested upon him by Article 138(1) of the Constitution. According to Article 139(1), Professor Monem will serve for a five-year term or until he reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first. PSC chairman, 12 members resign Besides, four new members have been appointed to the commission- Nurul Kadir, Md. Aminul Islam, Md. Nazmul Amin Mazumdar, and Md. Sujayet Ullah. They will also serve a five-year term or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first. Professor Dr. Mobasser Monem is a professor of Public Administration Department at Dhaka University. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the university in 1986 and earned his PhD from the University of London in 1999.

Former Public Service Commission (PSC) driver Syed Abed Ali and his son Sohanur Rahman Siam, along with 15 others, were arrested last night for their alleged involvement in a major exam question leak syndicate. This syndicate is believed to have been responsible for leaking question papers for over 30 recruitment exams, including BCS exams. The scandal has unveiled a syndicate involving six officials and employees of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Among the accused is Syed Abed Ali, a former driver for the PSC chairman, whose roots trace back to Botla village in the Dasar upazila of Madaripur district. Although known locally as a real estate businessman, Abed Ali’s alleged criminal activities have shocked his community. Residents of Botla village revealed that Abed Ali, the second of four children in a poor family, began working as a porter in Dhaka’s Sadarghat at the age of eight. He later learned to drive and secured a job at the PSC, which marked the beginning of his ascent to wealth. Ex-driver of PSC chairman among 17 arrested over question paper leak: CID The scandal has sparked outrage in Madaripur and beyond. Abdul Haque, a 45-year-old local resident, said, “Syed Abed Ali was known for his charitable donations. Last Eid, his son Siam distributed beef to households in the area, arriving in a luxury car. We had no idea about their involvement in such criminal activities. Justice must be served after a thorough investigation.” Siam apparently used to introduce himself as “son of a business magnate.” Abed Ali built a lavish house in his village, spending crores of taka. He has also allegedly occupied land to establish a cattle farm and market. Masud Parvez, president of the Madaripur Unnayan Sangram Parishad, commented, “The public should question those who amass wealth in suspicious ways.” Recruitment exam will be void if question leak allegations are true: PSC Chairman

Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Md Sohorab Hossain has said that the July 5 exam for the post of deputy assistant engineer of Bangladesh Railway will be void if the question paper was indeed leaked. "There have been allegations of question paper leaks over the past 12 years, but proving them now seems unlikely. However, if the allegations regarding the July 5 railway recruitment exam are proven, we will declare it void promptly. There is no doubt about it," he said during a press briefing at the PSC headquarters on Tuesday. Ex-driver of PSC chairman among 17 arrested over question paper leak: CID He also outlined procedural measures from paper distribution to ensuring secure delivery to examination centres. Regarding past allegations, he said that decisions on previous tests would be taken during commission meetings, emphasising the complexities involved in assessing exams conducted over the past 12 years under different leadership. Racket earned hundreds of crores of taka through medical admission test question leak in 17 years: CID "The commission will collectively decide on actions pertaining to previous tests. It's a legal matter to determine whether we have jurisdiction to annul past examinations, which requires careful consideration," added the PSC chairman. Medical admission question leak: Doctor arrested in Khulna

State hydrocarbons agency Petrobangla’s is close to receiving the nod from the very top, to invite a round of international bidding for Bangladesh's offshore gas blocks based on its new model production sharing contract (Model PSC) within the current year. A proposal in this regard was recently sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for its approval to proceed, UNB understands from its sources. “We’ve received initial approval from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and then, as the next step, it was forwarded to the PMO as Prime Minister is the in-charge of the ministry,” said a top official of Petrobangla, preferring not to be named in discussing the sensitive issue. He said after the PM's approval, it would be placed in the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for the very final approval, as it acts as the highest policymaking body. Since the PM heads the CCEA, that should be a formality once it passes her desk.  Read:  ‘Excessive delay’ in clearing dues: BPDB could end up paying independent power producers Tk 6000cr more Then Petrobangla will be free to move towards inviting the international bidding round, he noted.  Earlier, Petrobangla updated its Model PSC,  to make it more attractive for international oil companies (IOCs) to explore for oil and gas in the country’s maritime areas in the Bay of Bengal. In the new Model PSC, the gas price will be offered at 10 percent of Brent Crude, the most traded of all the oil and gas benchmarks. It means if Brent is being traded at $75 per barrel, the price at which the government would buy any gas the company is able to produce at $7.5 per thousand cubic feet (MCF). “The gas price will always remain linked with the international oil price,” said the official, referring to the new provision in the 'Model PSC 2023'. Read: Bangladesh needs to develop a National Hydrogen Strategy, says Australia-based scientist Dr Nawshad There will also be no difference between the price of gas in shallow or deep water blocks, he said. This is another change from the previous PSC. “If the oil price goes down or up, the gas price will follow it rationally and Bangladesh will purchase the gas from the IOCs at this rate,” said the official. Under a Model PSC, normally, if any IOC discovers gas, it gets a 40 percent stake while the government obtains the remaining 60 percent. The government also buys the IOC's gas at a certain price. So if the gas price is raised, IOCs feel encouraged to invest in exploration works. Read: Petrobangla initiates move to end foreign company’s monopoly in pre-paid gas metering system The government had last amended the Model PSC in mid-2019, whereby the price of gas for any participating IOC, that is, the price at which they would sell the gas to the government, was set at $5.5 per MCF for shallow water blocks, and $7.25 per MCF for gas extracted from deep sea blocks. Scottish consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie was appointed last year to update the Model PSC - specifically, to make it more attractive to IOCs. Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker recently said the organisation forwarded its proposal to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division for approval with a plan to go for international bidding by July or August this year. Officials said previously many IOCs were reluctant to participate in the bidding of the exploration due to the low price offered by Bangladesh. Read More: Petrobangla initiates move to end foreign company’s monopoly in pre-paid gas metering system Official sources said the recent excessive hikes in petroleum fuel price, especially that of liquefied natural gas (LNG), prompted the government to go for further amending the existing PSC so that the IOCs get interested to invest here. The country has a total of 48 blocks of which 26 are located offshore and 22 onshore. Of the 26 offshore blocks, 11 are located in shallow sea (SS) water while 15 are located in deep sea (DS) water areas. Of these, 24 offshore gas blocks remain open for IOCs while two blocks -SS-04 and SS-09-are under contract with a joint venture of ONGC Videsh Ltd and Oil India Ltd where drilling works have recently started. Bangladesh's offshore area remains largely unexplored, especially its deep sea (DS) blocks,  despite the settlement of its dispute with neighbouring Myanmar and India over the maritime boundary almost nine years ago. Read more: Govt planning to invite int’l bidding for offshore blocks with more attractive PSC Currently, about 2300 mmcfd gas is being produced from 22 gas fields in Bangladesh, while about 700 mmcfd gas is being imported from abroad to meet the demand of about 4000 mmcfd, leaving a deficit of about 1000 mmcfd daily.

The government of Bangladesh is preparing to invite international bidding for the country's offshore gas blocks by making the model production sharing contract (Model PSC) more attractive for international oil companies (IOCs) to invest in hydrocarbon exploration in the Bay. “We’re going to offer the price of gas at 10 percent of Brent Crude,” a top official of Petrobangla, the state hydrocarbons agency, told UNB, referring to the most traded of all of the oil benchmarks. The official, preferring anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, said if Brent oil is traded at $75 per barrel, the gas price would be $7.5 per thousand cubic feet (MCF). The gas price will always remain linked with the international oil price, he said, referring to the new provision of the 'Model PSC 2023'. Also read: Petrobangla to amend Model PSC further to attract IOCs in offshore gas exploration But there will be no difference between the price of gas in shallow and deep water blocks, he said. “If the oil price goes down or up, the gas price will follow it rationally and Bangladesh will purchase the explored gas from the IOCs at this rate,” said the official. Under a Model PSC, normally, if any IOC discovers gas, it gets a 40 percent stake while the government obtains the remaining 60 percent. The government also buys the IOC's gas at a certain price. So if the gas price is raised, IOCs feel encouraged to invest in exploration works. Read More: Govt expedites gas exploration activities to increase primary fuel supply: Nasrul Hamid The government had last amended the Model PSC in mid-2019, whereby the price of gas for any participating IOC, that is, the price at which they would sell the gas to the government, was raised to $5.5 per MCF for shallow water blocks, and $7.25 per MCF for gas extracted from its deep sea blocks. The source also informed that the new proposal has been prepared as per the recommendations of a Scottish consultancy firm, Wood Mackenzie, which was appointed last year to work out the new plan for Petrobangla to attract the international bidding for IOCs. Talking to reporters, Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker recently said the organisation has recently forwarded its proposal with the Scottish consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie’s recommendation to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources seeking its approval for the plan. Read More: Amid nationwide gas shortages, new exploration work continues in Sylhet The ministry will now seek the approval of the Prime Minister’ Office for Petrobangla's plan. “Once we receive the nod of the PMO and the ministry, we would place a proposal to the Cabinet Economic Affairs Committee for the final approval,” he added. Another senior official of Petrobangla also said that as soon as the Cabinet body approves the proposal, the organisation will invite international bidding within two months. “In this case, we hope we can go for bidding within July or August next,” he told UNB preferring anonymity. He said previously many IOCs were reluctant to participate in the bidding of the exploration due to the price offered by Bangladesh. Read More: Accelerate gas exploration to overcome energy crisis: ICCB “Now we hope it will be a lucrative offer for the IOCs to invest in the offshore areas of Bangladesh for gas exploration,” he added. Petrobangla appointed Wood Mackenzie last year to help amend the Model PSC 2019, to attract international oil companies amid the volatile international fuel market. Official sources said the recent excessive hike in petroleum fuel price, especially that of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has prompted the government to go for further amending the existing PSC so that the IOCs get interested to invest here. The country has a total of 48 blocks of which 26 are located offshore and 22 onshore. Of the 26 offshore blocks, 11 are located in shallow sea (SS) water while 15 are located in deep sea (DS) water areas. Read More: Russian Embassy refutes TIB statement on Dhaka-Moscow grain deals, gas exploration Of these, 24 offshore gas blocks remain open for IOCs while two blocks -SS-04 and SS-09-are under contract with a joint venture of ONGC Videsh Ltd and Oil India Ltd where drilling works have recently started. There was a target to invite international bidding in March 2020 for exploration in offshore areas, but that got postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic that emerged at exactly the same time. "The recent upward trend in oil and gas price has pushed the policymakers to further raise the gas price by introducing much more flexibility and incentives including keeping the export option open in the PSC," said another Petrobangla official. He mentioned that the government had to import LNG at $36 per MMBtu while it was just below $10 early last year. Read More: Gas Fields in Bangladesh: Exploration of 2 more wells expected to begin this year The latest Russian invasion of Ukraine has further deepened the global market volatility pushing up the petroleum fuel price over $100 per barrel, the highest in the last 7 years. Now again the oil and gas prices are on a downward trend and Brent crude oil is traded at $75 per barrel while LNG price is at below $14 per MMBtu. Bangladesh's offshore area remains unexplored despite the settlement of its dispute with neighbouring Myanmar and India over the maritime boundary almost nine years ago. Currently, about 2300 mmcfd gas is being produced from 22 gas fields in the country, while about 700 mmcfd gas is being imported from abroad to meet the demand of about 4000 mmcfd, leaving a deficit of about 1000 mmcfd. Read More: US companies encouraged for oil, gas exploration in Bangladesh's offshore

Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has released recruitment Circular for several non-cadre posts. 2 thousand 953 officers will be recruited in various ministries and departments through PSC. Out of these, three are of 6th grade, one is of 11th grade and the remaining posts are of 10th grade. Recruitment of posts for PSC Job Circular 2023 Among the 2 thousand 953 people, the most will be taken 2 thousand 367 senior staff nurses in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 55 diploma nurses will be taken in prison department. Read: Bank Job Circular 2023: 468 job opportunities in Sonali and Janata Bank 52 Assistant Engineers (Stores), 85 Assistant Engineers (Electrical), 205 Assistant Engineers (Mechanical/Train Examiner/Drawing), 35 Assistant Engineers (Ways), 31 Assistant Engineers (Works), 11 1 Assistant Engineer (Bridges), 8 Assistant Engineers (Estimator), 15 Assistant Engineers (Civil Drawings), 71 Assistant Engineers (Signal/Telecommunications), one Assistant Engineer (Estate) and 2 Assistant Engineers (Marine). 1 Deputy Assistant Engineer in Jute Directorate, 10 Motor Vehicle Inspectors in Bangladesh Road Transport Authority and 1 Administrative Officer in Cabinet Department will be appointed. How to apply on PSC Job Circular 2023 One or more posts can be applied according to the educational qualification. If applying for more than one post, separate registration fee has to be submitted for each post. Candidates have to complete the online registration process and fee submission by filling the application form Applicants Copy (BPSC Form-5A) prescribed by the Commission on Teletalk website or Bangladesh Public Works Commission website. Clicking on the non-cadre option on the website will show the radio button for the instructions regarding non-cadre post notification, online filling of application form, fee deposit through SMS and receiving admit card. Read: Bangladesh Railway Recruitment Circular 2023: Bangladesh Railway will recruit 1,385 people Before filling the form, you must check this link (http://www.bpsc.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bpsc.portal.gov.bd/psc_exam/798c8c07_2526_4d71_873e_333e28c15904/(04-19%20)%20Advertisement-(Combined)%20January%202023.pdf) for detailed information regarding application procedure, fee submission and recruitment. Application fee for PSC Job Circular 2023 Within 72 hours of online form filling, examination fee of Tk 600 for 6th grade post, Tk 500 for 10th grade post and Tk 300 for 11th grade post through SMS from Teletalk prepaid number. Application Deadline: 7 March 2023.

A total of 13,000 candidates have passed the 41st Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) written examination. Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) published the results on Thursday (November 10, 2022). Read More: Govt publishes 40th BCS gazette appointing 1,929 candidates The results are available at the PSC website- www.bpsc.gov.bd. And Teletalk BD Ltd website- http://bpsc.teletalk.com.bd Besides, one can get the results by sending SMS -- PSC38 Registration Number -- to 16222 from any Teletalk mobile number. The PSC said the viva voce of the successful candidates of the 41st BCS written examination will start from the first week of December 2022 and the detailed schedule will be published through its website and newspapers in due time. Read More: 40th BCS non-cadre candidates form human chain in front of PSC

Hundreds of non-cadre candidates of the 40th BCS on Monday (October 31, 2022) formed a human chain in front of the head office of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in the city to demand that authorities reinstate previous appointment policies of the commission and repeal new procedures of the non-cadre appointment. Read more: Tougher punishment for leaking PSC question papers, law coming They demanded that the commission repeal the new appointment policy for the non-cadres of the 40th-44th BCS, provide all posts of the 40th BCS non-cadres which have been given to the 36th-38th BCS non-cadres.