1
How many articles does the Bangladesh Constitution have? Name the key parts.
Constitution▼The Constitution of Bangladesh has 153 articles organized in 11 parts and 4 schedules.
Key Parts:
Key Parts:
- Part I: The Republic (Articles 1-7)
- Part II: Fundamental Principles of State Policy (Articles 8-25)
- Part III: Fundamental Rights (Articles 26-47A) — most frequently asked
- Part IV: The Executive (Articles 48-58E) — President, PM, Cabinet
- Part V: The Legislature (Articles 65-93) — Jatiya Sangsad
- Part VI: The Judiciary (Articles 94-117) — Supreme Court
- Part IX: Services of Bangladesh (Articles 133-141)
- Part XI: Miscellaneous & Amendment provisions
💡 Viva Tip
Know Part III (Fundamental Rights) thoroughly — Articles 27 (equality), 31 (right to protection), 32 (right to life), 36 (freedom of movement), 39 (freedom of speech), 44 (enforcement of fundamental rights).
2
What are the four fundamental principles of state policy in Bangladesh?
Constitution▼The four fundamental principles (Article 8) are:
- 1. Nationalism (জাতীয়তাবাদ): Bengali nationalism based on language and culture
- 2. Democracy (গণতন্ত্র): Democratic governance through elected representatives and fundamental rights
- 3. Secularism (ধর্মনিরপেক্ষতা): Elimination of communalism, no state religion in governance (though Islam is state religion per 8th Amendment)
- 4. Socialism (সমাজতন্ত্র): Socialist economic system — equitable distribution of wealth, removal of exploitation
💡 Viva Tip
The 15th Amendment (2011) restored the original four principles. Know the difference between "Fundamental Principles" (Part II, not enforceable) and "Fundamental Rights" (Part III, enforceable by court).
3
What is the amendment process of the Bangladesh Constitution?
Constitution▼Article 142 governs constitutional amendments:
Notable Amendments:
- A bill must be passed by two-thirds majority of the total members of Parliament (not just those present)
- The bill is then presented to the President for assent within 7 days
- If the President does not assent within 7 days, it is deemed to have received assent
Notable Amendments:
- 4th (1975): Presidential system, one-party rule (BAKSAL)
- 5th (1979): Validated martial law changes
- 8th (1988): Islam as state religion
- 12th (1991): Restored parliamentary system
- 13th (1996): Caretaker government (later abolished by 15th)
- 15th (2011): Abolished caretaker government, restored original principles
- 17th (2018): Reserved women's seats extended
💡 Viva Tip
Know at least the major amendments (4th, 5th, 8th, 12th, 13th, 15th). The viva board loves asking "Which amendment introduced ____?"
4
What is BCS? Explain the cadre service structure.
Public Admin▼BCS (Bangladesh Civil Service) is the civil service recruitment examination conducted by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC).
BCS Exam Stages:
General Cadres:
BCS Exam Stages:
- Preliminary: 200 MCQ marks (qualifying)
- Written: 900 marks (6 papers)
- Viva: 200 marks (interview by board)
General Cadres:
- Administration, Police, Foreign Affairs, Audit & Accounts, Tax, Customs, Ansar
- Education, Health, Engineering, Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, Economic, Statistics, Information, Postal, Telecom, Food, Family Planning, etc.
💡 Viva Tip
If you're appearing for a specific cadre, know its ministry, directorate, and key responsibilities. For BCS Admin cadre, know the field administration structure: Division → District → Upazila → Union.
5
What is the administrative structure of Bangladesh?
Public Admin▼Central Level:
- President → Prime Minister → Cabinet (Ministers)
- Ministries → Divisions → Directorates/Departments
- Cabinet Division coordinates all ministries
- Division (বিভাগ): 8 divisions, headed by Divisional Commissioner
- District (জেলা): 64 districts, headed by Deputy Commissioner (DC)
- Upazila (উপজেলা): 495 upazilas, headed by UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer)
- Union (ইউনিয়ন): ~4,571 unions, headed by elected Union Parishad Chairman
- City Corporations: 12 (Dhaka North/South, Chattogram, etc.)
- Pourashavas (Municipalities): 330+
- Union Parishads: Elected local government bodies
💡 Viva Tip
Know your own district's DC name, your upazila UNO, and the division you belong to. Viva boards always ask "Tell me about your area's administration."
6
What is the role of the Public Service Commission (BPSC)?
Public Admin▼Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) is a constitutional body established under Articles 137-141 of the Constitution.
Key Functions:
Key Functions:
- Conducting examinations for recruitment to the Republic's service (BCS, Non-Cadre)
- Advising the President on matters relating to recruitment, promotion, and discipline
- Advising on principles of appointment to public services
- Conducting departmental examinations
- Reviewing disciplinary cases referred by the government
- Chairman and members appointed by the President
- Members serve for 5 years or until age 65
- Chairman cannot hold any government office after retirement
💡 Viva Tip
Know the current BPSC Chairman's name. Also understand that BPSC is advisory — the government makes final appointment decisions. BPSC submits an annual report to the President.
7
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? How is Bangladesh performing?
Current Affairs▼SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 (Agenda 2030) to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
17 SDGs:
17 SDGs:
- 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 3. Good Health, 4. Quality Education
- 5. Gender Equality, 6. Clean Water, 7. Affordable Energy
- 8. Decent Work & Economic Growth, 9. Industry & Innovation
- 10. Reduced Inequalities, 11. Sustainable Cities
- 12. Responsible Consumption, 13. Climate Action
- 14. Life Below Water, 15. Life on Land
- 16. Peace & Justice, 17. Partnerships for Goals
- Strong progress on SDG 1 (poverty reduction), SDG 3 (health), SDG 4 (education access)
- Challenges: SDG 6 (water quality), SDG 13 (climate vulnerability), SDG 16 (governance)
- GED (General Economics Division) coordinates SDG implementation
💡 Viva Tip
At minimum, know the 17 goal names. Also mention Bangladesh's LDC graduation (2026), Delta Plan 2100, and Vision 2041 as development milestones.
8
What is Vision 2041? What are its key targets?
Current Affairs▼Vision 2041 is Bangladesh's long-term development plan to become a developed nation by 2041 (the year of the 70th anniversary of independence).
Key Targets:
Key Targets:
- Per Capita Income: $12,500+ (high-income country threshold)
- Poverty Rate: Near zero (below 3%)
- GDP Growth: Sustained 9%+ annual growth
- Industrialization: Manufacturing share of GDP above 30%
- Digital Economy: Knowledge-based, technology-driven economic transformation
- Human Development: HDI comparable to developed nations
- Phase 1 (2021-2031): Upper-middle-income country
- Phase 2 (2031-2041): Developed/high-income country
💡 Viva Tip
Viva boards expect you to know current GDP, per capita income, growth rate, and major development indicators. Check Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data before your viva.
9
Briefly describe the Liberation War of Bangladesh (1971).
Bangladesh▼Background: East Pakistan suffered political, economic, and cultural discrimination from West Pakistan since 1947.
Key Events Leading to War:
Key Events Leading to War:
- 1952: Language Movement — demand for Bengali as state language
- 1966: Six-Point Movement by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- 1969: Mass Uprising (গণঅভ্যুত্থান)
- 1970: Awami League won majority in general elections but was denied power
- March 7, 1971: Bangabandhu's historic speech at Race Course Maidan
- March 25, 1971: Operation Searchlight — Pakistani military crackdown
- March 26, 1971: Declaration of Independence
- 9-month guerrilla war by Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters)
- India entered on December 3, 1971 (joint command with Mukti Bahini)
- December 16, 1971: Pakistan army surrendered — Victory Day
- 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered at Ramna Race Course
💡 Viva Tip
Know the sector commanders (11 sectors), the Provisional Government (Mujibnagar), and the role of General Osmani. This is almost always asked in government viva.
10
What are the major rivers of Bangladesh? Discuss the Padma Bridge.
Bangladesh▼Major Rivers:
Padma Bridge (পদ্মা সেতু):
- Padma (পদ্মা): Ganges in Bangladesh, flows through central region
- Meghna (মেঘনা): Largest by discharge, formed by Surma-Kushiyara confluence
- Jamuna (যমুনা): Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, one of the widest rivers
- Surma & Kushiyara: Flow through Sylhet region
- Karnaphuli: Major river in Chattogram
Padma Bridge (পদ্মা সেতু):
- Length: 6.15 km — Bangladesh's longest bridge
- Location: Connects Munshiganj (Mawa) to Shariatpur-Madaripur (Jajira)
- Cost: ~BDT 30,193 crore (entirely self-funded)
- Type: Two-level — road (top) and rail (bottom)
- Opened: June 25, 2022
- Impact: Connects 21 southwestern districts directly to Dhaka, expected to boost GDP by 1.2%
💡 Viva Tip
Know the significance of self-funding — Bangladesh rejected World Bank loan over corruption allegations and built it with own resources. This is a source of national pride.
11
Tell me about your home district — its history, economy, and notable features.
Bangladesh▼This is a very common viva question. You should prepare a 2-3 minute response covering:
Prepare These Points:
Prepare These Points:
- Geography: Division, area, boundaries, major rivers
- History: How the district got its name, historical significance, role in Liberation War
- Population: Approximate population, literacy rate
- Economy: Main industries, crops, exports, notable businesses
- Famous landmarks: Historical sites, tourist attractions
- Notable personalities: Freedom fighters, poets, scholars, leaders from your district
- Current administration: DC name, number of upazilas, municipalities
- Special achievements: Awards, unique products, cultural festivals
💡 Viva Tip
This is almost guaranteed in every viva. Research your district thoroughly — know your MP's name, DC's name, main upazila, historical facts. Practice saying it concisely in 2 minutes.
12
What is the current economic situation of Bangladesh?
Current Affairs▼Key Economic Indicators (prepare latest data before viva):
- GDP: Check latest BBS/World Bank data (around $460 billion in PPP)
- Per Capita Income: ~$2,800 (nominal)
- GDP Growth Rate: 5.5-6.5% (check latest fiscal year)
- Inflation: Check latest data (has been elevated)
- Forex Reserves: Check Bangladesh Bank latest figures
- Remittance: ~$22-24 billion/year (major source)
- RMG Exports: ~$40-47 billion/year (largest export sector)
- RMG (Ready-Made Garments): 80%+ of export earnings
- Agriculture: Employs ~40% of labor force
- Remittance: Over 10 million overseas workers
- IT/ICT: Growing sector, $2 billion+ export target
💡 Viva Tip
Always check the latest Bangladesh Bank, BBS, and Ministry of Finance data 1-2 days before your viva. Having outdated numbers shows lack of preparation.
13
Why do you want to join government service? Why not the private sector?
General▼Strong Answer Framework:
- Service motivation: "Government service allows me to directly serve 170+ million citizens — the impact is unmatched by any private sector role"
- Structural impact: "A government officer can influence policy, implement programs, and create systems that affect entire regions"
- Field administration: "As a DC or UNO, I can directly solve problems of common people — land disputes, disaster response, development projects"
- Nation-building: "Bangladesh's development journey needs competent administrators. I want to be part of Vision 2041"
- Job security & benefits: "Government service offers pension, housing, posting variety, and work-life balance" (mention but don't over-emphasize)
- Don't mention power, authority, or prestige as primary reasons
- Don't criticize the private sector
- Don't say "family pressure" or "parents wanted me to"
💡 Viva Tip
Show genuine passion for public service. Reference a specific government initiative you admire or a field experience that inspired you. Be honest but strategic.
14
What are the qualities of a good public servant?
General▼Essential Qualities:
- Integrity: Honest, transparent, incorruptible — the foundation of public trust
- Accountability: Answerable to the public, takes responsibility for decisions
- Impartiality: Serves all citizens equally regardless of political, religious, or social identity
- Competence: Continuous learning, domain expertise, efficient service delivery
- Empathy: Understanding citizens' problems, especially vulnerable groups
- Leadership: Ability to lead teams, manage crises, and inspire subordinates
- Communication: Clear writing, effective negotiation, and active listening
- Adaptability: Working in diverse postings — urban/rural, different divisions
- Decision-making: Making tough decisions under pressure with limited information
- Tech-savviness: Embracing e-governance, digital transformation
💡 Viva Tip
Give examples from your life demonstrating these qualities. "Integrity" is the most valued answer — but back it up with "I would implement transparency by ensuring all records are accessible." Link qualities to specific government initiatives.
15
Introduce yourself. (আপনার সম্পর্কে বলুন)
General▼Structure for Government Viva Self-Introduction:
Sample opening: "আমার নাম [Name], আমি [District] জেলার [Upazila] উপজেলার [Union/Ward] থেকে এসেছি। আমার বাবা [profession], মা [profession]..."
- Name & background: Full name, father's/mother's name, home district, permanent address
- Education: SSC, HSC, University — institutions, subjects, results (be precise with GPA/CGPA)
- Family: Brief mention of parents' occupation, siblings (1-2 sentences)
- Current occupation: If working, mention role and duration
- Why this service: Brief motivation (1 sentence)
- Strengths/interests: Relevant hobbies, volunteer work, achievements (1-2 sentences)
Sample opening: "আমার নাম [Name], আমি [District] জেলার [Upazila] উপজেলার [Union/Ward] থেকে এসেছি। আমার বাবা [profession], মা [profession]..."
💡 Viva Tip
Practice in front of a mirror. The viva board forms first impressions in 30 seconds. Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and don't rush. Prepare both Bangla and English versions.