Staff Reporter:

Abdul Mueed Chowdhury, convener of the committee formed to review the age limit for entering government service, has said that there is justification for increasing the age limit for government jobs.

Following a meeting with protesters demanding an increase in the age limit on Wednesday, the committee convener spoke to reporters at the Secretariat.

He said, “The main focus of this committee is that there has been a longstanding movement regarding the age limit for entering jobs. Based on this, the government has formed a five-member committee. We have been instructed to submit our report within the next week.”

Muyeed Chowdhury mentioned, “We met with those who are protesting for the age increase. Considering the government’s current policies, future course of action, and the overall situation, we will make a decision on this matter. There is no doubt that there is justification for increasing the age limit.”

When asked about the justification, he said, “Many have faced difficulties due to COVID-19 and session jams. The current age limit for entering jobs should be increased.”

“However, I cannot say today how much it should be increased. We will review everything and decide how much it can be raised,” he added.

Job seekers and students have been protesting for a long time, demanding that the age limit for applying for government jobs be set at 35 years. The protesters took a stand in front of the residence of the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, and also held a meeting with him on Monday.

Following this, a committee was formed to examine and review the demands of the job seekers for an increase in the age limit for entering government service.

Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, a former secretary and adviser to the caretaker government, is the convener of this committee, while Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, serves as the member secretary.

The committee includes former Joint Secretary Kawshar Zahura, former Additional Secretary Mohammad Iqbal, and Additional Secretary of the Finance Division Mohammad Saiful Islam as members.

The committee has been instructed to submit its report within the next seven working days.