The story of Imam Hossein, a young political science graduate, exemplifies the agonising delays that plague the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exam process.
Despite years of dedicated preparation and successfully clearing each stage, he was ultimately disqualified due to an age limit. This arbitrary barrier was made insurmountable by the system’s inefficiency.
Imam’s case is not an isolated one. The BCS system seems designed to be not just a test of knowledge, but also an endurance test for aspiring candidates.
The 41st BCS exam, dragging on for over four years, exemplifies a process that steals valuable time from eager applicants. The irony is stark when compared to the swift completion of the 42nd BCS, a special exam for doctors during the pandemic.
This contrast highlights the system’s ability to act quickly when there’s a pressing need. The Public Service Commission (PSC) blames the delays on limited staff.
However, the problem goes deeper. University professors, overburdened and underpaid, contribute to the logjam by delaying script evaluation. Bureaucratic red tape further complicates the issue.
The introduction of a double-examiner system, intended to enhance transparency, has backfired. Many scripts require a third examiner, causing further delays. Additionally, the PSC’s meager compensation discourages timely evaluations.
Meanwhile, candidates suffer the consequences. The financial burden of coaching, accommodation, and living expenses grows as they wait in limbo. Career plans are put on hold, and the mental strain is significant.
Experts propose reforms like addressing examiner shortages and revising compensation.
Streamlining verification procedures, including police checks and medical tests, could also expedite the process. India’s model, where jobs are offered while verification is ongoing, offers a potential solution.
The PSC’s roadmap promising completion within a year remains a broken promise. A multi-pronged approach is needed to address the system’s flaws.
Time is a precious resource for aspiring civil servants, and the current system heartlessly squanders it. It’s time to dismantle this outdated system and create a swift, transparent, and fair path for those seeking to serve their nation.
