Desk Report: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has expressed concern over the sudden resignation of the chairman and successive members of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC), alleging a possible government move to exert political control over the constitutional body.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the organisation`s central president, Nurul Islam, and Secretary General Sibgatullah warned that they would not accept the appointment of any politically affiliated person to the PSC without necessary reforms.

The student organisation said attempts to politicise the commission would go against the aspirations of the July uprising, which, according to its leaders, called for a merit-based state system and fundamental reforms of public institutions.

Describing the PSC as a vital constitutional institution, the Shibir leaders said it had repeatedly been used as a political tool over its 54-year history, undermining merit and public confidence in recruitment to government services.

They expressed disappointment that, instead of transforming the commission into an independent, impartial and dynamic institution in line with the July Charter, efforts were allegedly being made to restore political influence over it.

The leaders questioned why the chairman and members were being removed before completing their respective terms, suggesting that the changes could be part of a broader attempt to influence the commission`s activities. They further alleged that the government was seeking to strengthen its political control over key state institutions despite its public commitments to reform. Citing alleged political influence in appointments to the higher judiciary, university administrations and senior field administration posts, the statement also raised concerns about question paper leaks, the exclusion of meritorious candidates in the name of verification and appointments based on political considerations. The Shibir leaders questioned whether the successive changes in the PSC`s top leadership were connected to a wider plan to bring independent and statutory institutions under political control.

In a further allegation, they claimed to have learned that a minister had summoned PSC members and indicated that they should act in accordance with the wishes of the political government.

"No constitutional institution is a minister`s family business," the leaders said, arguing that no individual or government had the right to turn the PSC into an instrument for serving political interests. They warned that any attempt to use the commission for partisan purposes would face strong resistance from students and the public.

The organisation called on the authorities to immediately reform and restructure the PSC in line with the July Charter, ensuring that it remains free from political interference.

It also urged the relevant authorities to appoint honest, competent and qualified individuals to build an independent, impartial and efficient commission capable of safeguarding merit in public recruitment. The statement comes amid concerns over the independence of constitutional institutions and the need to ensure a transparent, fair and merit-based recruitment process in Bangladesh`s public service. The allegations and concerns were raised by Chhatra Shibir in its statement. The statement did not include a response from the government or the PSC to the claims.