Anti-Quota Politics Versus Merit-Based Recruitment,48th BCS Candidates Denied Jobs

Life had always been a struggle for Narayan Mallik of Nagar Kanda, Faridpur. In the bitter winter months, he would cast his net into waist-deep icy waters in the hope of catching fish, often going to bed with his wife and three children hungry or half-fed. Yet, his singular dream was for his children to receive an education and grow into respectable, independent individuals.

His eldest son, Ujjal Mallik, embodied that dream through sheer determination. Excelling academically in both secondary and higher secondary education, he secured admission to Dhaka’s Sohrawardy Medical College and completed his MBBS with distinction. He went on to achieve recommendation in the 48th Special Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination.

However, his joy was short-lived. Caught in the “invisible” web of police verification, Ujjal’s name was omitted from the final government gazette.

Narayan Mallik told the media, “Being half-starved was normal for us. But when my son passed the BCS, we hoped for better days. Now we hear that the police gave a negative report on our family. What harm did Zaila cause the country?”

Ujjal was not alone. At least 20 other candidates who had passed the 48th BCS with merit were similarly excluded from the final gazette. Sirajam Munira, a student of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, said, “I was never involved in any political activity, yet I too became a victim of this process.”

Experts argue that verifying candidates based on family or political background runs contrary to the principles of a merit-based, democratic society. Supreme Court lawyer Manzur-al-Matin commented, “Depriving capable students of their rights due to family or political associations contradicts the Constitution and good governance. Recruitment should be based solely on ability and merit.”

On 25 January, the affected candidates submitted complaints to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, which has promised a renewed verification process.

48th Special BCS (2025) Final Recruitment Overview:

Notable among the excluded are Ujjal Mallik, Pavel Rahman, Sirajam Munira, Shuvro Debnath, and Ilhamur Reza Chowdhury. None face criminal charges.

The excessive police verification process has now come under scrutiny for undermining merit rights in the 48th BCS. Until the issue is resolved, affected candidates face ongoing uncertainty and significant mental stress.