Tensions flared on Tuesday as candidates of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination clashed with police while protesting for a rescheduling of the written exam.
The demonstration began at the Central Shaheed Minar and proceeded toward Shahbagh, reaching in front of the National Museum by evening.
Police attempted to disperse the crowd using batons, sound grenades, and water cannons, leading to a brief chase between law enforcers and protesters.
During the scuffle, some demonstrators damaged a police vehicle.
As the situation intensified, protesters staged a sit-in near the passenger shed by Dhaka University Central Mosque, causing severe traffic congestion along the Raju Sculpture-Shahbagh road, affecting pedestrians, patients, and commuters.
Protesters criticised the unusually short gap between the preliminary and written exams this year, saying it leaves insufficient time for preparation.
Sajib Pal, one of the protesters, said, “Earlier BCS exams allowed 6 to 15 months between the preliminary and written stages. This time, candidates are given only about two months, making proper preparation impossible.”
He added, “This is a clear case of discrimination and injustice. We urge the Public Service Commission (PSC) to reconsider the written exam schedule on a rational basis.”
