Candidates who passed the preliminary exam of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) have laid siege to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) office, demanding a logical timeframe for the written exam and protesting what they described as the commission’s “autocratic behavior” and “shameful attacks” on examinees.

The demonstration began on Sunday morning in front of the PSC office at Agargaon, with hundreds of candidates taking part.

The protesters alleged that while previous BCS batches were given three to six months to prepare for the written exam, this time they have only been given 40 days. The written test is scheduled to begin on November 27, which candidates said is “unfair and discriminatory.”

Earlier, the candidates had appealed to the PSC for an extension of the exam date and were reportedly assured of a reconsideration. However, the routine was published as per the earlier schedule, prompting the agitated candidates to stage the siege.

They also announced that they would not leave the area until they get a chance to speak with PSC officials.