Dhaka, Nov 26 (V7N) – A clash and subsequent chase between police and candidates of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination occurred in Dhaka on Tuesday, resulting in five candidates sustaining injuries. The injured were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment in the evening.

The injured candidates are Shakil Ahmed (26), Ashikur Rahman (25), Shahinur (28), Abrar Shahriar Ullas (28), and Riaz (27). Shahinur sustained a head injury from a baton strike. Officer-in-Charge of the DMCH police camp, Inspector Faruk, confirmed their treatment is ongoing in the emergency department.

According to the candidates, they began a march from the central Shaheed Minar around 12:30 pm towards the Chief Adviser’s government residence at Jamuna. When they attempted to continue their march in the afternoon, police requested them to stop. Defying the warning, the candidates moved forward, prompting police to use water cannons, sound grenades, and batons, causing multiple injuries.

The candidates criticized the authorities for providing only 50 days of preparation time for the written exam, whereas previous BCS examinations allowed six months to one year for preparation. They demanded a postponement of the written exam, warning that proceeding on November 27 would be unfair. They also announced that failure to adjust the schedule would trigger stricter protests, including roadblocks and further demonstrations.

Earlier, the candidates had staged a march from Shaheed Minar towards Jamuna residence but were stopped at Shahbagh by police barricades, where they held a sit-in.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) clarified that while one group of candidates requested a postponement, another group insisted on maintaining the schedule. PSC further stated that the claim of “only two months’ preparation” is incorrect, as the written exam schedule was announced on June 3, giving candidates nearly six months to prepare. According to the PSC chairman, the 47th BCS written exams will be held as scheduled from November 27 across eight centers: Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.

The PSC confirmed that all arrangements, including seat allocations and logistical preparations, have been completed to conduct the exams on the designated dates.

END/AJ/SMA/