Hold BCS exams on calendar each year with transparency, Yunus tells PSC

He says BCS is the entry point to governance, and any misconduct here affects the entire system

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has ordered authorities that Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations be organised every year on a fixed schedule according to the calendar, with full transparency.

He issued the directive at a meeting with PSC officials at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday afternoon.

“Exams and recruitment must be completed every year according to the calendar,” Yunus said. “The BCS exam is the entry point. Those who pass will go on to run the government. If irregularities happen at this entry point, the entire system carries that impact.”

The interim prime minister urged the commission to resolve any existing challenges responsibly and move forward with required reforms.

“The problems and crises must be dealt with seriously. Everyone needs to work together on necessary reforms. This is essential even for those who will lead the government in future,” he said.

During the meeting, PSC Chairman Mobassher Monem raised the issue of establishing full financial and administrative autonomy for the commission.

He said the PSC has already introduced a five-year roadmap, under which all exams and recruitment will be completed between November each year and the following October.

The PSC members at the meeting said political interference over the past 15 years had led to multiple forms of malpractice in BCS exams, including favouritism and leaked questions.

They said structural reforms have been carried out to ensure that such irregularities do not return, and to build lasting public confidence in the commission.

According to PSC officials, question standards are now being raised so that candidates preparing for the BCS can also compete in international recruitment exams.