Even after passing the 34th BCS exam, 157 meritorious candidates remain deprived of cadre positions due to quota disparities. The previous Awami League government left 672 posts vacant when publishing the final results, sparking protests from those denied cadreships. Despite persistent movements, no resolution was achieved.
Hoping for change under the interim government, the affected candidates pursued legal action, prompting the High Court to instruct the Public Service Commission (PSC) to resolve the matter within 60 working days. However, no progress has been made, leaving the candidates in uncertainty.
The controversy began with the 34th BCS preliminary exam on May 24, 2013, followed by the recruitment process in June 2016. The PSC initially applied quota regulations in the preliminary results, but intense anti-quota protests forced a re-evaluation. Under political pressure, 672 cadre posts were left vacant, despite sufficient qualified candidates. These posts were later filled using the 35th BCS merit list, even though the candidates did not compete for those specific positions.
One of the affected candidates, Zahidul Islam, expressed his frustration, revealing that 157 candidates sought justice through the High Court (Petition No. 13633/2024). The court ordered the PSC to resolve the matter within 60 working days on November 18 last year. However, a government appeal (Petition No. 4153/2024) was dismissed on December 11, leaving the PSC legally bound to comply. Yet, the commission has remained silent on the issue.
Sources suggest political bias may be a factor, as many of the affected candidates were involved in anti-quota protests or held differing political views. This, they claim, influenced the decision to leave the 672 posts vacant and later fill them through the 35th BCS.
PSC Chairman Professor Dr. Mobasser Monem acknowledged the court order and the candidates’ applications but stated that the matter involves state-level decisions beyond the commission’s control. He assured that the PSC would prepare a formal response to the court’s directive.
Liberty News’ court correspondent states that with the High Court’s deadline set to expire on March 4, the affected candidates face continued uncertainty and frustration, as their long wait for justice persists.
LND/BAIZID
