Why did a top graduate from IBA choose the civil service when the corporate world of opportunities lay open to her?
Because she wanted to make a difference. She wanted to serve her country.
Farhana Jahan Upama graduated with flying colours from Dhaka University’s Institute of Business Administration, placing 3rd on the Director’s Honour List, and landed a corporate job at HSBC by the start of 2011.
But she quickly realised that she wasn’t happy going down the conventional path. She sat for the 31st Bangladesh Civil Service examinations and passed with merits in her first attempt.
The Dhaka Tribune interviewed this dynamic lady over the phone.
Tell me about your current job and responsibilities.
I am the Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate in the Comilla district. I find it quite stimulating really, because it’s a diverse job. I manage the SSC and HSC exams in all of the Bangla medium schools in Comilla.
I also have a big share of field work to do when dealing with the mobile courts, and that is exhilarating and draining all at the same time. Some of the cases, however small they may be, have complexities which require diplomacy and precision.
Also with the upcoming elections, where we manage the security issues and some of the other arrangements, the workload is quite a lot.
When did you decide to pursue civil service?
Shortly after I graduated from IBA. I just went with it, because I had a feeling this was something I wanted to do.
I know it’s not a “safe” or a very conventional option for an IBA graduate, but that’s not really my first concern when I think about what I want in life.
Some people think government jobs are not for “successful graduates.”
People prefer instant success, and they equate a high salary to greater success. The perception that only jobs in multinational companies will give you success and satisfaction is wrong, at least for me. I’m glad I went through with my decision and didn’t settle for what I had.
Did the “IBA polish” help in any way for the civil service?
It does to a certain extent help with taking on more pressure with less anxiety. In a way, IBA prepares you for the uncertainties and challenges you face when pursuing any career.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
It’s hard. I am the mother of an 8-month old beautiful girl, Nameera. My husband, Tanveer Ahmed is in government service as an ASP in RAB, posted in Dhaka.
So you can see that it’s not easy for any of us. I am practically a single mother with a demanding job and a child to care for. My mother-in-law has been a big help at times of extreme pressure.
Many women face discrimination in the workplace, and people say it is more prevalant in government service.
I think we have come a long way in terms of female empowerment in the office, in both corporate and government jobs. But I have not faced anything like that in any of the jobs I have had. My seniors and co-workers encourage and respect me.
I believe people have yet to change the way they think of government service.