ICAB Should Honour Its Commitment to PAS Students

Dear Sir,

I wish to draw attention to a policy reversal by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) that has left many undergraduate students who planned their careers around its Pre-Articled Students (PAS) programme in a difficult position.

ICAB’s original circular offered PAS students a six-month articleship reduction after passing the Certificate Level, with another six-month reduction upon passing the Professional Level. Many students adjusted their academic plans accordingly. However, the Institute later withdrew the benefit and restored it only for PAS students who were already employed, excluding undergraduate students who registered through their university enrolment.

This selective change has understandably frustrated students and undermined trust. ICAB should reconsider the decision and extend the benefit to all students covered by the original circular. At the very least, it should clearly explain why the eligibility criteria were narrowed. Professional bodies should honour their commitments and maintain transparency when students make career decisions based on their policies.

Sabit Elahi Chowdhury
Student, Department of Accounting and Finance
North South University