Proposal to Raise Entry Age to 35 and Retirement Age to 65 in Government Jobs Under Review
Government Jobs Reform: Entry Age May Rise to 35, Retirement to 65 Under Review. Suggested Entry Age 32 and Retirement Age 60 Years
The Cabinet Division has forwarded a proposal to the Ministry of Public Administration to raise the entry age limit for government jobs to 35 and the retirement age to 65. The proposal, brought up by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, is still under review, and no final decision has been made.
Changes in Age Limits
They feel that the current limits don’t reflect the real challenges students face today, like longer time spent in school and the need to work while studying to support themselves. These delays often push candidates beyond the current age limit, which is 30 for applicants. The retirement age is also set at 59, but many believe these numbers should change to better match the realities of modern life. As a result, there’s been a growing demand for more flexibility in these age limits. Many have argued that these limits do not reflect students’ realities, and they are often delayed in completing their education due to socioeconomic factors.
Joint Secretary Md signed the letter. Sazzadul Hasan has been sent to the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration. In a statement, Hasan mentioned, “We have received a proposal to raise the entry age for government jobs to 35 and the retirement age to 65. It has been forwarded to the appropriate ministry for further review, but no final decision has been made yet.”
Criticism and Alternative Ideas
The proposal has yet to be met with universal support. Some, like Sarjis Alam, a Discrimination Opposition Student Movement coordinator, have expressed reservations about the suggested limits. In a social media post, Sarjis Alam noted, “In Bangladesh, neither 35 nor 65 seem entirely practical. A more reasonable approach might be to consider 32 for entry and 60 for retirement.”
This view has sparked debate online, with some supporting an increase in age limits and others calling for a more moderate adjustment. Supporters of the proposal argue that the increase is necessary to allow for the delays many students face in completing their studies, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Opponents, however, believe that raising the retirement age could limit opportunities for younger candidates and increase the financial strain on the government, as pension costs would rise and fewer new employees would enter the workforce.
Background and Protests
The issue of age limits for government employment has been discussed for over a decade, though no significant changes have yet been made. Earlier this year, a group of job seekers staged a protest at the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, calling for an immediate increase in the entry age to 35. Their demands have been fueled by the delays many students face in completing their education due to academic and financial challenges.
Protesters have pointed out that other countries in the region, such as India and Sri Lanka, have already set their entry age limits for government jobs at 35 or higher. They argue that Bangladesh should adopt a similar approach to give students more time to complete their education and compete fairly in job exams.
Government Response and Next Steps
The government has acknowledged these concerns and assured the public that the proposal will be thoroughly reviewed. The Cabinet Division has forwarded the request to the Ministry of Public Administration, but no timeline has been provided for a final decision.
Ministry officials have confirmed that they are carefully examining the issue, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks before recommending them. As the proposal remains under review, discussions continue to dominate public debate.
For many young job seekers in Bangladesh, the outcome of this proposal could greatly impact their future career opportunities. With the issue still unresolved, protests and calls for reform are likely to continue.
In conclusion, the proposal to increase the entry age to 35 and the retirement age to 65 for government jobs is still under review. While some believe these changes would help students who face delays in their education, others are concerned about the impact on younger job seekers and the government’s finances. The final decision has not yet been made, but it is a topic of active debate and holds significant importance for job seekers in Bangladesh.
