In a stark departure from the traditional narrative surrounding police recruitment, 33 candidates in Bhola secured positions as Trainee Recruit Constables (TRC) purely on merit, spending only the government fee of Tk 120.
An additional four candidates have been placed on the waiting list following a month-long, multi-stage selection process.
The final results were announced on Monday evening, sparking emotional scenes at the district police lines as successful candidates—many from impoverished backgrounds—broke down in tears of joy. Out of the 42 applicants who qualified for the final interview phase conducted earlier that day, 33 were selected. The majority of the newly recruited constables are children of farmers, fishermen, daily laborers, and middle-class families.
Among them was Md. Yakub Sharif, a resident of Char Fashion upazila.
"My father is a poor farmer, and our financial situation is very fragile," Sharif said. "I failed the written test twice before. Seeing my family's hardship, I tried one last time. This time I passed with distinction. I cannot believe I got a government job for just Tk 120."
Another successful candidate, Md. Zidan, shared how he almost lost hope due to persistent rumors.
"This was my third attempt," Zidan said. "After the written exam, many people told me that securing a police job requires a bribe of Tk 10 lakh. I had completely given up hope. I only came to the police lines to support a friend, but I was shocked and overjoyed when my own name was called out first."
Bhola Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Shahidullah Kawsar stated that 1,538 applicants initially competed for the posts. After rigorous physical endurance tests across seven events, 460 candidates qualified for the written examination. Of those, 42 passed the written segment to contest the final oral examination.
"This entire recruitment drive was conducted with absolute transparency, impartiality, and strict adherence to merit," SP Kawsar assured. "There is no substitute for integrity and qualification. We expect these new members to uphold law and order and serve the public with the highest level of professionalism and honesty."
