Even after the final results of the 43rd BCS (Bangladesh Civil Service) were published, 227 successful candidates are still waiting for their official appointment (gazette) notification. Despite multiple visits and communications with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Public Administration, they have yet to receive a clear assurance about joining their jobs. These candidates allege that the authorities are not taking their issue seriously and are demanding immediate issuance of the pending gazette notification.

Md. Erfanul Haque, Additional Secretary of the Appointment, Promotion and Deputation (APD) Division of the Ministry of Public Administration, told Kalbela that the matter is still under process. However, he could not specify when the gazette would be issued.

Several of the affected candidates shared that, hoping to join the BCS, they didn’t pursue other job opportunities or even resigned from previous positions. Now they feel disheartened and uncertain as their appointments remain stalled, allegedly due to political labeling. They emphasized that they are not involved in any political activities and expressed their frustration over being subjected to such discrimination in a country that promises equality.

Renowned Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Manzill Murshid stated that excluding candidates based on political affiliations after they have passed all stages of the recruitment process is a violation of constitutional rights. According to Article 29 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, all citizens must have equal opportunity in public employment, and no one can be discriminated against based on religion, caste, gender, or place of birth.

He added that such practices are a continuation of discriminatory actions seen in previous governments. During the last Awami League tenure, candidates were reportedly denied jobs for alleged ties with BNP or Jamaat. If the current government continues this trend, it reflects poorly on democratic and constitutional principles. He also mentioned that many of those previously denied appointments eventually went to court, won the legal battle, secured their jobs, and received back pay. The same is likely to happen again, which would ultimately cost the state both time and money.

Sources in the Ministry of Public Administration revealed that one intelligence agency raised objections against 195 of the 227 candidates, while another agency flagged only 77 names. This discrepancy has caused the verification process to stall. Despite a second round of verifications following appeals from the affected candidates, the gazette notification has still not been issued.

Public administration researcher Mohammad Firoz Miah pointed out flaws in the verification system. He noted that intelligence agencies often rely on local figures or representatives whose opinions may be biased. This can result in conflicting reports from different agencies. He emphasized that verification should be based on documentary evidence rather than hearsay.

An internal source further disclosed that the Ministry of Public Administration has recommended the appointment of 171 out of the 227 candidates. Once the Chief Advisor approves, the gazette will be issued. Although the ministry hasn’t officially confirmed this, insiders say that more than 200 candidates will eventually be appointed. Those without any criminal charges are expected to receive their appointments soon.

To recap, the Public Service Commission (PSC) recommended the appointment of 2,163 candidates on December 26, 2023. The Ministry of Public Administration initially issued a gazette on October 15 but withdrew it and issued a revised one on December 30. However, the fate of the 227 candidates remains uncertain.

Now, these candidates—and the public—are left wondering:
When will their long wait finally be over?