Decision on new pay scale after receiving commission report: Finance adviser

The interim government will decide on the much-discussed new pay scale for public servants after receiving the report from the Pay Commission, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said today (13 January).

Talking to journalists after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat, he said the 21-member commission is reviewing the matter in detail and is expected to submit its report to the government soon.

"Various stakeholders have placed their opinions and proposals before the commission, some in writing, some through direct meetings. Taking all these aspects into account, the recommendations are being prepared," he said.

Salehuddin said, "The Pay Commission has not stopped working at any point. They are working continuously and are in contact with us. What they are doing and how they are doing it is not our concern at this stage."

When asked whether the current government would be able to deliver the new pay scale, he said the commission's report would clarify the next steps, adding, "There are 21 members who are analysing everything. In addition, there will be a separate report for the judiciary, and there is also a subcommittee for defence."

Responding to a question about a recent comment by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, who reportedly said a new pay scale may not be possible before the election and would be left for the next government, the finance adviser said the matter does not fall under the governor's purview.

"The governor has no role in the pay scale. He can give opinions on banking matters. The pay scale is a government decision," he said. "You will know what will happen and what will not when you know the date of the report."

On the issue of implementation, the adviser said, "First, the substantive work has to be completed. Implementation is another matter altogether and requires careful detailing."