Govt to form high-level committee to review objections to public service ordinance
Protesting government employees have announced to launch a stricter programme if their demands are not met
The government is going to form a high-level committee to review the recently promulgated Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 due to widespread objections from government employees.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul made the announcement while speaking to reporters after receiving a memorandum from leaders of the Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum on Tuesday (3 June).
"There are concerns among government employees regarding the ordinance. The government is fully open to listening to their objections. So far I know, a high-level advisory committee will be formed. The committee will be tasked with thoroughly reviewing their objections and making appropriate recommendations," he said.
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The adviser said the decision to form the committee indicates the government's willingness to reconsider the ordinance. "The committee will be formed today or tomorrow. A decision has been taken to constitute it at the advisory level," Asif Nazrul said.
The Adviser said the government is approaching the matter with the highest level of humanitarian consideration. "If I am included in the committee, I will sincerely listen to their concerns and try to present them in the meeting of the advisory council," he added.
When asked about the employees' leaders' warning of tough programmes after Eid-ul-Azha if the ordinance is not repealed Asif Nazrul said, "That is their decision."
On Tuesday, the protesting employees of various ministries and departments within the Secretariat gathered near Building 6 to hand over a memorandum to the two advisers.
Speaking there, Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum Co-Chairman Md Nurul Islam said, "If you [the government] think the movement has stopped, then you are living in a fool's paradise. We will launch a programme that you cannot even imagine. Eid is nearing, so we have not announced any protest programme for tomorrow.
"If this law is not repealed, then if necessary, we will also launch a sit-in programme in addition to work abstention. If necessary, such protest programmes will be spread throughout the country, including DC offices, divisions, and the entire country," he added.
"If we do not get good news by 15 June, the leaders will announce a strict programme," he warned.
Badiul Kabir, another co-chairman of the forum, said since many people will go home during the Eid vacation, there will also be no protest programme on the first working day after Eid.
He told the employees, "All of you should come prepared on 16 June. No one should be at work, everyone will gather here (Badamtala of the Secretariat) at 11am. This repressive and black law must be repealed."
