Dear Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration,

We, the citizens of Bangladesh, respectfully request your attention to raise the age limit for entry into government jobs from 30 years to 32 years in light of the current situation in our country. We present the following justifications for this request:

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of government job announcements. From March 2020 to December 2021, only 13% of job announcements were published, with only 8-9 for first and second class positions, and the rest for third and fourth class positions. Consequently, job seekers were unable to apply within the stipulated age limit.

Limitations of Backdated Eligibility:
In September 2022, the government allowed those whose age limit expired on March 25, 2020, to apply for government jobs (excluding BCS) until June 30, 2023. However, those who were 27/28 years old in 2020 did not benefit from this extension.

Closure of Educational Institutions and Session Jam:
During the pandemic, classes and exams for Honors and Master's students were suspended, leading to session jams and insufficient time for job preparation. The backdated eligibility did not assist these students, resulting in their disadvantage. Therefore, raising the age limit to 32 years is essential for them.

Additional Time Required for Higher Education (Ph.D.):
Pursuing higher education (Ph.D.) often takes additional time, typically requiring study abroad. Consequently, these candidates have less time to prepare for and participate in job exams. Raising the age limit to 32 years would allow more experienced, qualified, and talented candidates to participate in government jobs, contributing significantly to the country's development.

Impact on Private Sector Jobs:
Currently, the private sector often follows the government job age limit of 30 years. Raising the government job age limit would likely influence the private sector, giving job seekers more time.

Fairness and Justice:
The last increase in the age limit for government jobs was in 1991, from 27 to 30 years. In 2011, the retirement age was increased from 57 to 59 years. The current ruling party promised to raise the job age limit in their 2018 election manifesto. The average life expectancy in Bangladesh has now increased to approximately 74 years. When the age limit was last increased in 1991, the average life expectancy was 57 years, which is now 73 years. The current age limit does not reflect these changes. The BCS Health and Judicial sectors have already raised their age limit to 32 years. Increasing the age limit for other government jobs would maintain consistency.

Complexity in Receiving Comprehensive Benefits:
If the age limit for applying for jobs is increased to 32 years, candidates would still have 25 years of service even if they join at 34. Not completing 25 years of service complicates receiving comprehensive benefits, which we all know. Therefore, raising the age limit by two years would not be contradictory.

International Examples:
The state of Assam in India has raised the age limit for jobs by two years due to the pandemic. Many countries worldwide have age limits for entry into government jobs ranging from 35 years to over 47 years. In Bangladesh, however, crossing the age of 30 disqualifies one from applying for government jobs. Reviewing global standards, 162 countries have an age limit of 35 years for government jobs. In some countries, it is even open-ended. In South Asia, neighboring India has age limits ranging from 32 to 42 years depending on the state and job type.

Reducing Youth Frustration:
Our families and society depend on us. Raising the age limit for government jobs would enable us to support our families and establish stable positions in society. Increasing the age limit would reduce youth frustration and encourage them to prepare for both government and private jobs with renewed enthusiasm. We, the youth of this country, wish to fulfill our dreams and serve the nation. Raising the age limit for entry into government jobs would give us the opportunity to achieve our dreams.

We respectfully urge you to consider our request and raise the age limit, thereby supporting the dreams of thousands of job seekers in the country.