BCS aspirants clash with police, 5 hospitalised
The Shahbagh intersection turned into a confrontation zone on Tuesday evening (25 November) as job seekers demanding postponement of the 47th BCS written examination clashed with police while attempting to march toward Jamuna, the chief adviser’s residence.
Despite tear gas, water cannons, and sound grenades being used earlier to disperse them, protesters regrouped after sunset and once again occupied the road in front of the National Museum, bringing traffic between Dhaka University and Shahbagh to a halt.
Protesters were seen burning debris on the street to block movement, while police tightened barricades and took position facing them. As of 7:50 pm, both sides remained locked in a tense standoff.
At least five protesters were injured in the afternoon clash and later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
The injured have been identified as: Md Shahinur Islam, 28, Atiqur Rahman, 29, Md Abrar Shahriar Ullah, 28, Md Riaz Uddin, 27, and Md Shakil,(28.
Speaking from the hospital bed, Shakil claimed police attacked the group without warning.
“We gave the government a one-hour deadline. When nothing happened, we moved toward Jamuna and police started beating us. They fired sound grenades and used water cannons. Five of us were injured.”
DMCH Police Camp In-charge Inspector Md Faruk confirmed the admissions, saying all five were receiving treatment in the emergency unit.
Protesters claim the actual number of injured is much higher – possibly over 25.
Demonstrators are now scattered across several points — in front of the National Museum, DU Central Mosque, and Shahbagh Police Station — while law enforcement maintains layered security.
Barricades remain up around the museum, preventing any attempt to advance toward the chief adviser’s residence.
Along with postponement of the written exam, protesters are now calling for the resignation of PSC Chairman Professor Mobasser Monem.
One participant argued: “Earlier BCS candidates got six months to one and a half years to prepare for written exams. We got less than two months. It’s unfair and unrealistic.”
Another added: “We won’t sit for the exam if the PSC chairman doesn’t resign.”
The written examinations for the 47th BCS are scheduled to begin on November 27 across eight centres – Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh – with assessments for technical and professional cadres continuing until December 18.
Earlier, the preliminary exam was held on 19 September, where 3,74,747 candidates participated and 10,644 qualified. The results were published by the Public Service Commission (PSC) on September 28.