We believe the government had taken a rightful stand by stopping the recruitment process which had come under clouds of allegations centring around widespread corruption and influence peddling. But relenting to the BNP elements' pressure has more than negated the corrective move made earlier.

A little elaboration is needed to make the point clear. Somehow an impression has grown in the public mind that large-scale recruitment has often been susceptible to corruption, political manipulation and favouritism. A job seeker had to pay an amount of money, depending on the nature of the job, for being considered as the 'most favourite candidate' for a post. The situation has worsened to a point where the higher bidders among job seekers are entitled to special consideration. Everything has been 'standardised' in a negative sense.

The fear of legal battles is not pointless, but what is hard to overlook is how a recruitment process, where merit and eligibility had little place, could be completed so smoothly without anyone in authority frowning at it. And when the scowl came, it turned out to be pathetically short-lived! The process was hostage to corruption and unholy influence which only served one purpose -- leaving many of the deserving candidates out. Fair play and eligibility of the candidates were secondary to gains made by vested quarters.

The government's giving way to pressure from some ruling party elements cannot set any ideal example. It virtually amounts to encouraging corruption. Obviously, a tainted recruitment process leads to appointing incompetent people who cannot be anything but liabilities to the government. The delivery of services may be affected.

We are aware that there are standard policies and rules for recruitment to various government offices. These should be followed scrupulously in order that public services are not derailed in the absence of efficiency and integrity.