To ensure fairness to all, Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) will provide stenographers (transcribers) for physically challenged candidates in the upcoming 40th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exams.
BPSC Public Relation Officer, Esrat Sharmin Esita confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune.
She said, examiners had found earlier that some transcribers wrote the exam without listening to the person he or she sat for, or what they told them.
“Our examiners found some transcribers do not listen to the candidate, and wrote the examination as if they were the candidates. It puts to question the capability of the physically challenged candidates. The commission wants to evaluate candidates according to their merit,” said Esrat.
She also added that BPSC will organize training programs for transcribers who will assist candidates sitting for the BCS examinations.
“There were clauses that candidates could take assistance of any transcriber selected from their respective institutions or of their own choice. But, educational qualifications of the transcribers were required to be lesser than the candidates. However, sometimes they [transcribers] forget that the candidate is someone else.”
“To develop a transparent examination process for physically challenged candidates, BPSC came to the decision that it will organize training for transcribers nominated or selected by the commission,” the official added.
The official said: "The commission will take transcribers from rover scout, who will be picked up and dropped at examination centers by the commission. The commission will bear all related cost and remuneration for transcribers.”
On March 31, in an official press circular, the BPSC stated that, BCS candidates who are physically challenged will have to submit an application requesting a transcriber by April 9, to the BPSC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. The date has since been extended to April 16.
Along with the application, candidates will have to submit a copy of the online application form, two certified copies of the candidate's passport size photograph, civil surgeon's medical certificate about the necessity for a transcriber for the candidate, a certified copy of proof of disability attested by deputy director of district social services office under the Department of Social Services, or signed by an equal ranked officer.
The circular also mentioned that, if any candidate fails to apply within the given time, they will not be able to claim this support from BPSC, and only certified transcribers will be allowed to sit at the exam hall along with the candidates.
According to the commission, around 14 candidates have applied for a transcriber as of April 15.
