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TL;DR
- Abdul Malek’s daughter, Nabila Tabassum Miki, was appointed as a BCS cadre without taking the standard BCS exam, raising concerns about nepotism.
- Despite a High Court ruling against her appointment, Nabila was inducted into the BCS (Public Health) cadre, sparking further controversy.
- Nabila applied for study leave to pursue a master’s degree, with questions about whether she will receive full pay during her leave.
- The case highlights broader issues of corruption and favoritism within the Bangladesh Public Service Commission’s recruitment process.
A major controversy has erupted in Bangladesh over the appointment of Nabila Tabassum Miki, the daughter of Chief Information Commissioner Abdul Malek, as a BCS cadre without taking the usual BCS exam. This situation has raised serious concerns about fairness and honesty in the hiring process of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS).
During Abdul Malek’s time as Special Assistant to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, his daughter was given a non-cadre position after passing a written and oral test by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). However, she did not take the standard BCS exam, which is usually required for such positions. Despite this, Nabila was later included in the BCS (Public Health) cadre, leading to accusations of favoritism.
In 2019, a notice for hiring 95 officials, including Nabila, was issued without changing the Bangladesh Civil Service Recruitment Rules of 1981. This notice was later canceled by the High Court after a legal challenge. Despite this, another notice was issued in 2022, bringing 90 officials, including Nabila, into the BCS cadre, which further increased concerns about irregularities in the hiring process.
On August 22, 2024, Nabila applied for study leave to pursue a master’s degree at the Canadian University of Bangladesh. Her application, approved by the Chief Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Directorate, stated she would pay for her studies herself. However, according to the ‘Public Administration Training and Higher Education Policy 2023’, full pay and allowances are usually given during study leave, raising more questions about the fairness of the process.
This case is not unique, as recent reports have shown widespread corruption within the BPSC, including claims of leaked exam papers and bribery. The Anti-Corruption Commission has been asked to investigate several officials for gaining wealth beyond their known income sources. The BPSC’s reputation has been seriously damaged, with reports of at least 30 exam paper leaks over the past 12 years, affecting both cadre and non-cadre exams.
These revelations have caused public anger, with many people questioning the fairness of the hiring process. The BPSC, once respected for its honesty, now faces a crisis of trust. The scandal has not only affected current job seekers but has also cast doubt on the entire civil service recruitment process in Bangladesh.
As the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus takes charge, there is an urgent need to address these issues and restore public trust in the recruitment process. The case of Abdul Malek and his daughter highlights the challenges facing the Bangladesh Civil Service and the urgent need for reforms to ensure fair hiring and eliminate corruption.
Source: Daily nagorik sangbad
