Secretariat employees suspend work stoppage, continue outreach to build support

Secretariat employees have temporarily suspended their ongoing protest programme demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, expressing hope for a favourable outcome soon.

They have returned to work  after a 2-hour work abstention from 11am to 1pm today (23 June).

On Tuesday (24 June), they will conduct normal official duties but continue public outreach activities to build broader support for their cause.

The announcement came this afternoon (23 June) following a two-hour work stoppage observed across all ministries.

The Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum, which has been leading the movement, said the pause is aimed at consolidating strength and coordinating with organisations beyond the Secretariat.

"Today, ministry officials are observing a work stoppage. Tomorrow, you will rest. Tomorrow we will engage in public relations with leaders of organisations outside the Secretariat. A concerted programme will be announced for all," said Badiul Kabir, co-chairman of the forum, during a gathering at the Ministry of Public Administration's Central Library.

He added, "Secretariat staff will, however, maintain contact to further strengthen the movement if needed. There may even be an announcement tomorrow that you no longer need to protest."

He added that public relations efforts will continue as part of a strategy to jointly launch programmes with at least 50 other organisations. "A united front is being prepared," he said.

Nurul Islam, another co-chairman of the forum, said, "We have not received any official message yet. But we believe the outcome will come soon. We urge everyone not to make negative statements."

He also criticised the interim government's policy actions, saying, "No [caretaker] government have worked with such a policy-making approach. Policy-making is not the job of a caretaker government. Please stop where you are."

Employees from various ministries joined today's protest and called for a stronger movement to ensure the ordinance is withdrawn. Speakers also criticised officials who have allegedly mocked the movement.

A participant named Faruk Hossain said, "The movement must continue until the law is repealed. Everyone should be organised to join spontaneously."

Another participant, Hasnat, remarked, "We are at war right now. There is no option but to move forward."

The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, issued on 25 May, allows the termination of government employees for four types of disciplinary offences through a show-cause notice, bypassing departmental proceedings.

Secretariat employees have been protesting the ordinance since its drafting stage.

After it was issued, they held rallies and short work stoppages, later submitting a memorandum to the advisers of the interim government.

Following discussions with employee representatives, a review committee was formed on 4 June, led by the law adviser.

While the committee has held two meetings, no recommendation has yet been submitted.

On Tuesday (24 June), they will resume normal official duties but continue public outreach activities to build broader support for their cause.

The announcement came this afternoon (23 June) following a two-hour work stoppage observed across all ministries.

The Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum, which has been leading the movement, said the pause is aimed at consolidating strength and coordinating with organisations beyond the Secretariat.

"Today, ministry officials are observing a work stoppage. Tomorrow, you will rest. Tomorrow we will engage in public relations with leaders of organisations outside the Secretariat. A concerted programme will be announced for all," said Badiul Kabir, co-chairman of the forum, during a gathering at the Ministry of Public Administration's Central Library.

He added, "Secretariat staff will, however, maintain contact to further strengthen the movement if needed. There may even be an announcement tomorrow that you no longer need to protest."

He added that public relations efforts will continue as part of a strategy to jointly launch programmes with at least 50 other organisations. "A united front is being prepared," he said.

Nurul Islam, another co-chairman of the forum, said, "We have not received any official message yet. But we believe the outcome will come soon. We urge everyone not to make negative statements."

He also criticised the interim government's policy actions, saying, "No [caretaker] government have worked with such a policy-making approach. Policy-making is not the job of a caretaker government. Please stop where you are."

Employees from various ministries joined today's protest and called for a stronger movement to ensure the ordinance is withdrawn. Speakers also criticised officials who have allegedly mocked the movement.

A participant named Faruk Hossain said, "The movement must continue until the law is repealed. Everyone should be organised to join spontaneously."

Another participant, Hasnat, remarked, "We are at war right now. There is no option but to move forward."

The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, issued on 25 May, allows the termination of government employees for four types of disciplinary offences through a show-cause notice, bypassing departmental proceedings.

Secretariat employees have been protesting the ordinance since its drafting stage.