47th BCS: police clash with protesters, 5 injured

Clashes have broken out between police and protesters demanding the postponement of the 47th BCS written examination. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, November 25. Police used water cannons and sound grenades to disperse the protesters.

Five protesters were injured. All five were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment.

They were brought to the hospital in injured condition on Tuesday evening, November 25. The injured are—Shakil Ahmed (26), Ashiqur Rahman (25), Shahinur (28), Abrar Shahriar Ullas (28), and Riaz (27). Shahinur suffered a head injury from baton blows.

Inspector Faruk, in charge of the police camp at DMCH, said the five injured BCS candidates arrived at the emergency department from Shahbagh in the evening and are receiving treatment.

The injured protesters said they marched from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh around 12:30 pm with the intention of continuing towards the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna. In the afternoon, when they attempted to resume their march towards Jamuna, police requested them not to proceed. When they tried to move forward anyway, police used water cannons, sound grenades and batons, injuring many.

They alleged that while previous BCS candidates were given six months to a year to prepare for the written exam, they received only 50 days, which they deem extremely unreasonable. They demanded more preparation time and insisted that holding the written exam on November 27 would be unjust. Protesters warned of blockades and tougher programmes if their demands are not met.

Earlier in the day, protesters began a march from the Central Shaheed Minar towards the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna. Police, however, blocked their path at Shahbagh with barricades. Unable to proceed, the candidates staged a sit-in at the location.

Protesters alleged that previous BCS candidates received six months to a year for written exam preparation, but this time the allotted time is significantly less. Calling the decision unreasonable, they insisted that the date of the 47th BCS written examination must be postponed and demanded a reasonable preparation period.

It is known that the candidates have been staging various demonstrations—including submitting memorandums, processions, blockades and hunger strikes—demanding postponement. They also blocked railway lines in Rajshahi, Khulna and Mymensingh, as well as the Dhaka–Aricha Highway. They have threatened to boycott the exam if the date is not deferred.

Meanwhile, according to the PSC’s schedule, the 47th BCS written examination will be held simultaneously from November 27 in eight centres across the country: Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh. Seating plans and all other preparations have already been completed.

The PSC stated that while one group is demanding postponement, another group is insisting the exam be held on time. It also rejected the protesters’ claim of “only two months’ preparation”, clarifying that the written exam schedule had been announced on June 3, giving candidates nearly six months to prepare. Therefore, PSC officials confirmed the exam will be held as scheduled on November 27.