A recruitment of 27 employees by outgoing Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir has sparked controversy recently due to the speed and timing of the process.
The entire recruitment written, practical, and viva-voce examinationswas completed in just three days, from November 29 to December 1, raising concerns about transparency.
The recruitment notice, issued on May 13, advertised 29 vacancies across 10 positions, including Office Assistant-cum-Computer Operator, Office Support Staff, and Data Entry Control Operator.
A total of 4,671 candidates applied, but the process appeared to be delayed for months until the sudden acceleration in late November. Admit cards were issued on November 14 and the written exam was held on November 29. Results were reportedly evaluated the same day, followed by practical tests for select positions on November 30 and viva-voce on December 1.
The Divisional Commissioner signed off on the final selection list that same day before instructing the issuance of appointment letters. Two positions, however, remained unfilled.
Candidates have questioned the feasibility of thoroughly evaluating over 4,500 written exam papers in a single day. "The speed of the process makes it hard to believe everything was done fairly," one anonymous applicant remarked.
In defense, Arafat Aman Aziz, Senior Assistant Secretary to the Divisional Commissioner and recruitment board member, asserted that the process adhered to proper standards and was completed within the allotted timeframe.
The situation has drawn heightened attention because the recruitment concluded just a day before Dr. Kabir's transfer on December 2. Critics argue the rapid execution casts doubt on the fairness of the process and many are calling for a review to ensure legitimacy.
