NCP's Hannan issues stern warning over strikes at Secretariat, NBR, and Chattogram Port

Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Abdul Hannan Masud on Monday issued a stern warning to those striking at the Secretariat, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and Chattogram Port.

In a verified Facebook post, Masud wrote, “To those striking at the Secretariat, NBR, or the port today—I’m telling you, the revolution will reach there too.”

Earlier in the day, during a party event in Chattogram, NCP’s Chief Organiser for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, also issued a strong warning.

He said, “If government employees obstruct or threaten the government’s work, people will find alternatives. If officials and staff hold the government hostage by resisting reforms, the consequences will not be good.” 

The Advisory Council on Thursday approved a proposal to amend the Civil Service Act through an ordinance. The amendment includes provisions for imposing disciplinary actions on government employees more easily and within a shorter time frame.

However, government officials and employees have raised objections, claiming that the proposed changes conflict with the Constitution.

Government officials and employees staged demonstrations throughout the day at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Despite their objections, the ordinance was officially issued last night following presidential approval. Demonstrations by civil servants continued at the Secretariat today as well.

On the other hand, following the issuance of the revenue ordinance on May 12, which effectively split the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the employees began sit-ins and a pen-down strike demanding the ordinance be revoked.

In response to the ongoing protests, the government assured the employees that their demands would be addressed.

Subsequently, on Sunday night, NBR officials and employees announced the withdrawal of all protest programs, including the strike.

However, the movement’s organising body has given the government a three-day deadline to remove the current chairman of NBR.

Meanwhile, the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal staged a protest rally against the government’s decision to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port to foreign management.