July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum launches hiring without exam

A move to recruit staff at the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum solely through oral examinations, without conducting any written tests, has sparked controversy. Critics argue that if appointments—including first-class positions—are made this way, the relevant job regulations are not being properly followed.

The initiative has raised further questions as the national parliamentary election is scheduled for 12 February, with concerns over the rush to complete the recruitment process ahead of the polls.

According to sources at the Ministry of Culture, on 28 January the museum authorities announced 96 vacancies across 62 posts, ranging from Grade 20 to Grade 6. Online applications were accepted until 5:00pm on February 4, and thousands of candidates applied based on their educational qualifications.

A senior official from the Ministry of Culture has revealed that for the newly established July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum, recruitment for posts created under the revenue budget is being planned solely through oral examinations, bypassing written tests. Some applicants were reportedly sent mobile messages on February 5, instructing them to appear for oral interviews on Sunday, February 8. However, not all applicants have been called for the viva.

According to the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum (Officers and Staff) Service Regulations 2025, recruitment for various positions requires mandatory written tests in Bengali, English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, or relevant technical subjects. Candidates must score at least 50 percent in written and practical tests to be eligible for the oral examination.

The regulations, however, allow the authorities to relax these requirements for candidates with specialized qualifications, a provision also mentioned in the recruitment notice. Critics allege that this clause is being exploited to skip the written test phase altogether.

When asked, the museum’s Director-General, Tanzim Wahab, said, “The recruitment process is being conducted in full compliance with the rules.” On whether the written test is mandatory, he added, “Under Subsection 3 of Clause 3 of the regulations, there is provision to relax requirements for candidates with special qualifications.”

The museum’s Director-General has stated that the recruitment process is being conducted with the President’s approval. To expedite the museum’s opening, authorities have allowed candidates’ administrative skills, communication ability, and quick thinking to be assessed through oral interviews instead of written tests.

However, a senior official from the Ministry of Public Administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “These posts are created under the revenue budget. Recruiting without a written test for revenue posts goes against administrative procedures and carries the risk of future annulment.”

The official added, “Recruiting solely through viva, especially for first-class positions, is not an acceptable selection method. It raises questions about transparency and fairness.”

There has also been discontent over the limited number of applicants being called for oral interviews. Several candidates reported not receiving any SMS or admission cards, casting doubt on the overall transparency of the recruitment process. Critics claim that bypassing the written test in favor of oral interviews creates opportunities for bias and score manipulation, conflicting with merit-based recruitment principles. They allege that the rush to complete hiring before the upcoming national election has prompted this controversial approach.