The ministry of public administration has proposed to increase the maximum age limit to enter government jobs by 21 months, from current limit of 30 years, due to prolonged academic life caused by Covid-19 restrictions.

State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain told reporters at the Secretariat today that the proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister.

He said, "A new proposal for government job seekers has been sent to the Prime Minister."

"We did the same last year. We relaxed the age limit, allowing candidates who turned 30 after March 25 to apply for government jobs," he added.

Farhad also said those who turned 30 on March 25 last year (2020) will also get the benefit.

He said they will get age exemption up to 21 months. "If the Prime Minister approves, we will issue a notification in this regard."

At present the age limit for entering government service is 30 years; 32 for freedom fighters' offspring.

The government increased the age limit by five months in the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.

Asked what the government's next strategy would be if the Covid infection situation deteriorates further, Farhad said, "We will consider both strategies. We may impose a lockdown if needed but also brainstorm about how to restrict transmission without enforcing strict restrictions considering the economy and livelihood."