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Published : 26 Nov 2025, 10:13 PM
A section of candidates for the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination has announced a boycott after the Public Service Commission (PSC) refused to postpone the written test.
The written exam is scheduled to begin on Thursday at eight centres: Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.
On Wednesday afternoon, protest spokesperson Saif Murad declared the boycott at a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen.
“We have lost to political calculations,” he said. “We, the few candidates from middle-class families who cannot sit the exam, are boycotting it. If any future government takes steps, we will continue our movement then.
“We are boycotting this exam, and many students will boycott it with us. This will become the BCS with the lowest number of candidates taking part.”
The candidates had been campaigning for nearly a month for the written test to be held at a “reasonable time”, claiming they did not get adequate preparation time.
Demonstrations took place across the country demanding the exam be postponed.
On Tuesday, protesters marching towards the chief advisor’s residence State Guest House Jamuna were blocked by police at Shahbagh, leading to clashes.
Murad said, “Even after multiple actions, the PSC did not agree to postpone the test. Old candidates have had a year and a half to prepare, some taking the previous written test three months ago. New candidates have very little time to organise their notes. This puts them at a disadvantage.”
“We have not asked for grade increases, lobbying for jobs, or reduced effort. We only asked for time to prepare,” he added.
He also referenced those injured in Tuesday’s clashes, questioning how candidates would sit the exam on Thursday.
“We tried to meet an advisor in the morning who told us to move away from the ‘Mujibist movement’. Was there any political slogan in our protest? We are simply highlighting the oppression we face.”
Murad criticised political parties for focusing on their own interests, leaving candidates to suffer, adding that no party has issued statements taking responsibility for their plight.
According to the PSC, the 47th BCS written exam will start on Thursday. Written tests for technical and professional cadre posts will continue until Dec 18.
