43rd BCS: Intel reports declare 227 candidates unsuitable for govt jobs

A total of 227 candidates recommended by the Public Service Commission (PSC) for recruitment were declared unsuitable for public service based on intelligence reports, according to the Ministry of Public Administration.

Additionally, 40 recommended candidates failed to appear for the mandatory health examination, resulting in their disqualification, as confirmed by the ministry's new appointment branch.

As a result, 1,896 candidates were ultimately appointed, and a gazette notification was issued to finalize the appointments, said the ministry.

The explanation follows widespread criticism on social media that the candidates were excluded from the final recruitment list based on their religious identity. 

A notification signed by Md Ujjal Hossain, Senior Assistant Secretary of the New Appointment Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration, detailed the recruitment process for the 43rd BCS examination.

The Public Service Commission had initially recommended 2,163 candidates for various cadre positions on January 25, 2024. 

Following the provisions of the BCS Recruitment Rules, 1981, pre-character verification was conducted through the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police and the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts.

Subsequently, on October 15, 2024, recruitment notifications were issued for 2,064 candidates, excluding 40 candidates absent from the health examination and 59 others subject to temporary considerations based on agency reports.

Concerns about the recruitment process's transparency prompted a further review of all 2,163 candidates’ backgrounds by state intelligence agencies, National Security Intelligence and Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. The review flagged objections against 227 candidates, citing issues with their pre-character verification. These candidates were deemed temporarily unsuitable for appointment and subjected to further inquiry.

Additionally, the 40 candidates who missed the health examination were disqualified. This left a total of 267 candidates ineligible, reducing the final number of successful recruits to 1,896. 

Recruitment notifications for these candidates were issued on December 30, 2024.

The public admin ministry’s notification emphasised that applications for reconsideration from the 227 temporarily unsuitable candidates are being accepted. 

The opportunity to appeal is open to all candidates wishing to address objections or seek reevaluation.