Students of the Public Administration Department at JU formed a human chain today demanding the inclusion of their discipline in the BCS education cadre. Photo : BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Aug 10, 2025 (BSS) - Students of the Public Administration Department at Jahangirnagar University (JU) formed a human chain today demanding the inclusion of their discipline in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) education cadre.

The protest took place at 1:30pm at the base of the university's Amar Ekushey monument and saw participation from teachers, students and leaders of the departmental student union.

Addressing the human chain, Prof. Dr. Md. Mahmudur Rahman of the department said, "Both Public Administration and International Relations are strong academic disciplines. Their students are no less competent than those of Political Science or other departments. If given opportunities in the education cadre, it will be easier to select qualified candidates and create a diversified educational environment."

Department Chairman Prof. Dr. Hare Krishna Kundu said, "Public Administration is a recognised and prestigious discipline in the country. Many departments are enjoying the benefits of the education cadre, but Public Administration is not - this is discrimination. Initially, it can be merged with Political Science, but in the future, a separate education cadre for Public Administration at the college level should be introduced."

"Our long-standing demand is to include the Public Administration Department in the education cadre. Our curriculum overlaps 50 percent with that of the Political Science Department. While the world is moving towards multidisciplinary education systems, limiting our opportunities is a barrier to development," said Mohammad Shahin Rana, a postgraduate student of the department.

Kamrun Nahar Nasrin, a postgraduate student of the department said, "Public Administration originated from the administrative wing of the Political Science Department. The syllabus, courses, and content are almost identical. If other departments can make cadre-based demands, then we can also demand an Administrative Cadre. However, the best solution would be to merge the International Relations and Public Administration departments into a single cadre."

Speakers at the human chain expressed optimism that the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) would soon accept the demand.

Public Administration Students' Union Assistant General Secretary (AGS) Mah Alam moderated the programme.