Dhaka, Nov 07 (V7N) — The Appellate Division has decided to re-hear the long-standing case of 1,137 candidates excluded from the 27th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) recruitment process during the 2007-08 political turmoil. On Thursday morning, a four-judge bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed granted a review hearing for the affected candidates, raising hopes that they may finally regain their positions after a 16-year battle.

The 27th BCS notification was issued by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) on June 28, 2005. Following the initial process, 3,567 candidates passed the first oral examination on January 21, 2007. However, the Advisory Council of the caretaker government decided to cancel the results on May 30, 2007, leading to the cancellation of the original oral examination results by the PSC on July 1, 2007.

A second oral examination was held on July 29, 2007, and the final results were published on September 23, 2008, with 3,229 candidates ultimately appointed. This decision left 1,137 candidates excluded, sparking legal battles that have continued for over a decade.

With the Appellate Division’s decision to allow a review hearing, there is renewed optimism for the excluded candidates, who may have the chance to reclaim their government positions after years of uncertainty. The upcoming hearing could be a pivotal moment, potentially bringing long-awaited resolution to one of Bangladesh’s most contentious civil service recruitment disputes.

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