Rail communication between Dhaka and Mymensingh was disrupted on Saturday night as students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) blocked the railway line, expressing solidarity with hunger-striking students at Dhaka University demanding reforms to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and action against question leaks.
The blockade began around 8:45 pm near Jabbar's Mor area of the BAU campus, halting the Dhaka-bound Agnibina Express train.
Earlier, at 7:00 pm, the students had organized a protest rally and formed a human chain in front of the university's Central Library.
During the demonstration, students presented an eight-point list of demands.
Key among them were the immediate expulsion and punishment of those involved in question leaks, assurance that the 46th BCS exam will not be canceled, and the publication of final results for successful candidates of the 44th BCS by July. They also demanded that the written examination for the 46th BCS be held by late July or early August.
Other demands included setting the viva-voce score for the 45th BCS at 100 marks, publishing its written results by July, and finalizing results within 2025. The students called for the introduction of a clear roadmap for every BCS examination, with disclosure of marks for all stages and advance announcement of exam schedules.
They further urged the government to increase the number of PSC members to between 25 and 30, ensure that the evaluation of written scripts takes place within PSC premises to guarantee transparency and impartiality, and allow candidates a chance to re-select cadre preferences before viva examinations. The students stressed that this opportunity should be extended immediately for the ongoing 44th BCS viva and institutionalized for all future exams.
In addition, they demanded the withdrawal of the pre-verification process prior to the publication of final results, arguing that no gazette notification should be delayed unless clear evidence of criminal activity or sedition exists. They also called for the cancellation of the "Non-Cadre Rules-2023" and job placements for all candidates who pass the BCS viva examination.
The protesting students warned that if their demands were not addressed, they would intensify their movement in the coming days.
