Department of Sociology Organized a Seminar on “Motivation for Civil Service Jobs in Bangladesh
Apr 24, 2025
The Department of Sociology, East West University organized a seminar on “Motivation for Civil Service Jobs in Bangladesh: An Explanation from the Weberian Model of Social Stratification & the Way Forward”. The chief guest and discussant of the seminar was Md. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, PhD, Secretary, Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat (Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh). The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Fouzia Mannan, Chairperson, Department of Sociology. The research team and the seminar presenter included Dr. Anisur Rahman Khan, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at East West University; Dr. Md. Zohurul Islam, MDS, from the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC); and Dr. Rasel Hussain, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at East West University.
At the beginning of the seminar Professor Dr. Fouzia Mannan welcomed the guests and shed light on the importance of the research in advancing sociological understanding.
This study explores the motivation of newly recruited Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) officials, using Max Weber's theory of social stratification, which examines class, status, and power. Social stratification is a popular topic for sociological research. The study provides meaningful understanding of the relationship between the motivation for civil service jobs and the implications of the Max Weberian social stratification model. The study identifies economic security/monetary benefits (class), professional and social superiority (status), and the opportunity to exercise authority (power) are significant motivating factors for civil service jobs. The study indicates that the BCS is regarded as a prestigious and desirable career in Bangladesh.
In his discussion note, Dr. Md. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan thanked the research team for highlighting crucial factors—such as power, status, and class—within the framework of the Weberian theoretical model as motivating elements for joining the BCS. He remarked that the BCS has always been a lucrative career option, offering numerous opportunities for job aspirants. He also spoke about the PSC’s reform initiatives aimed at making the BCS examination a level playing field in all respects for all candidates. At the end, he reminded that BCS cadre officials must never forget that they are civil servants, and they must ensure that services are delivered to citizens with zero tolerance for corruption and the highest level of integrity.
The seminar ended with the vote of thanks and concluding remarks by Mr. Helal Uddin, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Sociology.
