No More Recommended Appointments in Govt Jobs: State Minister

State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari has categorically stated that recommended or quota-based appointments in government jobs will not return.

He made the remarks on Monday (13 April) at the launch of the report titled “Renewal of Governance from Gridlock: BPSC Reform” held at Sonargaon in Dhaka.

The minister said, “Our manpower is the biggest asset. If we fail to develop human resources properly, we cannot achieve anything. There will be no intervention or recommendation in the recruitment process. We are committed to strictly maintaining merit-based recruitment.”

He stressed that appointing authorities must play an active role in ensuring transparency and merit in all recruitments.

Dr. Bari called for making the BCS examination more competitive and difficult. He also suggested reducing the age limit for candidates.

He said many young people are wasting several years of their productive life behind the BCS exam. “This ‘BCS disease’ must end,” he added.

The minister, who has also served as a BCS viva examiner, pointed out flaws in the current system. He noted that many meritorious students fail to perform well in the viva despite having excellent academic results.

He mentioned that the viva marks were once reduced from 200 to 100 on his proposal during his time at the Prime Minister’s Office, but later increased again.

The State Minister emphasised that all government organisations must regain public trust through transparency, accountability, and rule of law. He said important positions should only be filled by capable and honest officers who can effectively communicate with foreign donors and stakeholders.

He concluded by saying that the Public Service Commission (PSC), being a constitutional body, must function with full independence, honesty, and efficiency.