Secretariat staff rally demands repeal of public service ordinance

Secretariat employees staged a protest march and rally this morning, calling for the immediate repeal of the "repressive" Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.

In response, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul urged the government staff to wait for the review committee's recommendations and the Advisory Council's decision before taking further action.

"I want to assure the employees that we are taking their concerns seriously. Several advisers, including Fouzul Kabir, have said the ordinance certainly warrants reconsideration," Nazrul told reporters at his office.

"I was abroad when the law was passed, but after reviewing it upon my return, I too believe it should be reconsidered," he added.

Nazrul also said, "The government did not pass the ordinance with any ill intent. However, even well-meaning laws can contain provisions that may seem troublesome or open to harassment to those affected."

The review committee held a meeting this afternoon, though there was no briefing on its outcome.

Earlier in the day, Adviser Nazrul said that the proposals submitted by protesting employees had been received and would be evaluated during the meeting. "We will decide how to incorporate their suggestions and submit our report to the Advisory Council as soon as possible."

Appealing for calm, he said, "Please remain patient and avoid any activities that disrupt government operations. Issue statements, meet with us, but ensure that public services are not hampered. People should not suffer."

The amended ordinance adds section 37(a) to the Public Service Act, 2018, defining misconduct by government employees. The misconduct includes insubordination, disturbing discipline, being absent without leave or valid reason, failing to perform duties, or encouraging others to do so. 

The government can punish any staff for such misconduct by demotion, removal, or dismissal. When accused, the employee will be notified within seven working days and asked to explain why they should not be punished. The notice will mention if a personal hearing is required.

If the accused attends the hearing, the authority will decide guilt. If found guilty, or if the accused fails to respond or attend, a second notice will be issued, and the employee must reply within seven working days. Based on this, the authority may impose any of the mentioned penalties.

This new section angered government employees and led them to protest.

'You're here for a short time': Officials warn govt

Meanwhile, under the leadership of the Government Employees Unity Forum, secretariat staff took out a protest march this morning and later gathered beneath the new Secretariat building for a rally.

Employees at various levels spoke at the event, unanimously terming the ordinance "repressive" and reiterating their demand for its complete repeal.

Mujahidul Islam, an official addressing the rally, criticised the interim government, saying, "You are here only for a short time. Why have you pitted yourselves against government employees?"

One speaker proposed making participation in the protest mandatory for all employees of the advisers' and secretaries' offices starting today.

Badiul Kabir Khan, president of a faction of the Secretariat Employees Unity Forum, said the repressive ordinance has created an environment to sideline disciplined government workers.

"We do not want to cause public suffering, but if employees of Dhaka Medical College and other institutions stop working, the public hardship will increase, and the government must keep this in mind," he warned. 

Addressing students, he added, "Students are calling government employees corrupt without understanding the facts. Today's students will become the future employees of these institutions, and the law will be oppressive for them."

Nurul Islam, president of another faction of the Unity Forum, described the ordinance as a "ridiculous law," saying, "Employees from various cadre services have already joined protests against it."

He warned the government, "If you do not listen to us clearly, we will be forced to hold conferences at the divisional level."

"We have not yet announced any shutdown or blocked entry to offices. Do not force us to do so," he added.

After the rally, employees submitted a memorandum to the adviser for Housing and Public Works.