BCS Viva Voce key terms

A political and cultural campaign in East Pakistan during the late 1940s and early 1950s demanding that Bengali be recognised as a state language, culminating in the killings of 21 February 1952 and shaping subsequent nationalist politics.

The armed conflict of 1971 in which Bengali nationalist forces, supported by India, fought the Pakistani army to establish the independent state of Bangladesh, resulting in victory on 16 December 1971.

The collective name for the Bengali guerrilla and regular forces that fought against the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War, including members of the East Pakistan Rifles and civilian volunteers.

The written agreement signed on 16 December 1971 in Dhaka by Pakistani forces and Indian and Bangladeshi commanders, formally ending hostilities and marking Bangladesh's victory in the Liberation War.

An honorific meaning 'Friend of Bengal', used for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh who led the independence movement and served as the country's first president and later prime minister.

A 1966 political programme led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman demanding greater autonomy for East Pakistan, including separate fiscal and monetary policies and a federal parliamentary system, which became a precursor to independence.

The supreme law of Bangladesh, adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1972 and effective from 16 December 1972, establishing a parliamentary democracy with fundamental rights and directive principles.

A set of basic freedoms and protections guaranteed to individuals under Part III of the Bangladesh Constitution, enforceable in the High Court Division, covering equality, life and liberty, and freedom of expression.

Guidelines in Part II of the Bangladesh Constitution that direct state policy toward social and economic justice, such as public health, education, and rural development, but are not directly enforceable in court.

A formal application to the High Court Division seeking a constitutional remedy, such as habeas corpus or mandamus, when a fundamental right has been violated or a public authority has failed in its legal duty.

A system of government in which the executive derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature, and the prime minister, as head of government, must retain the confidence of the majority of members.

The unicameral national parliament of Bangladesh, consisting of 350 members, of whom 300 are directly elected and 50 seats are reserved for women, responsible for legislation and oversight of the executive.

The presiding officer of the Jatiya Sangsad, elected by its members, who maintains order during sittings, interprets rules of procedure, and performs ceremonial and constitutional duties when the presidency is vacant.

A local government council at the sub-district level in Bangladesh, headed by an elected chairman, responsible for coordinating development activities and delivering public services within its jurisdiction.

The lowest tier of rural local government in Bangladesh, comprising an elected chairman and members, responsible for local development, dispute resolution, and implementation of government programmes at the village level.

The process of transferring authority, resources, and responsibilities from central government to local bodies, intended to improve service delivery, accountability, and public participation in governance.

The humanitarian emergency resulting from the mass displacement of Rohingya people from Myanmar's Rakhine State, with over a million seeking refuge in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district since 2017.

The United Nations Refugee Agency, mandated to protect refugees and seek durable solutions, which provides shelter, food, and legal assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and supports repatriation efforts.

An international organisation founded in 1945 with 193 member states, dedicated to maintaining peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering cooperation on economic and social issues.

The principal UN organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with five permanent members holding veto power and ten elected members serving two-year terms.

UN operations involving the deployment of military and civilian personnel to conflict zones to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and support political processes, with Bangladesh being a leading troop contributor.

The study of how geography, resources, and population influence a country's foreign policy and international relations, including strategic competition over trade routes, energy, and regional influence.

A geopolitical construct referring to the maritime region spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans, emphasising connectivity, freedom of navigation, and strategic competition among major powers including China and the United States.

A large-scale Chinese infrastructure and investment strategy launched in 2013 to enhance connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa through land and maritime routes, involving partner countries such as Bangladesh.

Gross Domestic Product, the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given period, commonly used to measure the size and growth of an economy.

A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time, reducing purchasing power and often measured by changes in the consumer price index.

Money sent by migrant workers back to their home country, which is a major source of foreign exchange for Bangladesh and supports household consumption and national reserves.

A country's holdings of foreign currencies, gold, and other reserve assets managed by the central bank, used to stabilise the exchange rate and meet international payment obligations.

The actions of a central bank to manage money supply and interest rates in order to achieve price stability, control inflation, and support sustainable economic growth.

A long-term strategic plan adopted by Bangladesh in 2018 to manage water resources, reduce climate vulnerability, and ensure food security in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta through integrated infrastructure and policy measures.

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases, leading to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and threats to agriculture and livelihoods in Bangladesh.

Actions taken to adjust to actual or expected climate impacts, such as building embankments, developing salt-tolerant crops, and improving early warning systems, in order to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.

A national vision launched in 2009 to harness information and communication technology for development, aiming to deliver public services digitally, expand internet access, and build a knowledge-based economy.

The use of information and communication technologies by government agencies to deliver services, share information, and engage citizens, improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public administration.

A 2018 law in Bangladesh intended to combat cybercrime and protect digital data, but criticised by rights groups for provisions that could restrict freedom of expression and press freedom.

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, demonstrated by consistency between one's values and actions, and by adherence to ethical standards even when unobserved or under pressure.

The obligation of individuals and organisations to answer for their actions and decisions, accept responsibility for outcomes, and be subject to oversight and consequences for misconduct.

A situation in which a person's private interests or relationships could improperly influence their official duties, requiring disclosure and management to ensure decisions serve the public interest.

The principle of openness in decision-making and access to information, enabling citizens to understand how public power and resources are used and to hold officials accountable.

The internal drive that energises and directs behaviour toward goals, which in a public service context includes a commitment to serve citizens, contribute to national development, and uphold ethical standards.