People will find your replacements: Hasnat to protesting civil servants

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has warned that the people will find replacements for civil servants if they continue to disrupt the government’s work.

Speaking about the protests within the Secretariat and NBR on Monday, he said: “Let me remind you that during the July Uprising, many of you wore black badges in solidarity with Sheikh Hasina and continued working.

“But now you’re threatening to shut down offices. On the 5th of August, you didn’t dare to act like this. Back then, none of you resigned in protest.”

His comments follow the government’s decision to amend the Public Service Act through an ordinance, approved by the Advisory Council on Thursday and formally issued on Sunday night, despite protests by Secretariat staff throughout the day, continuing into Monday.

Similarly, NBR staff launched a sit-in and pen-down strike following the issuance of the “Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025” on May 12, which split the agency into two, effectively dissolving it.

Though these protests were withdrawn on Sunday night after the government assured to consider their demands, the NBR Reform Unity Council has given a three-day ultimatum for the chairman’s removal.

Hasnat said, “Since our independence, the Secretariat has become a regiment of people’s suffering, while the NBR is a breeding ground for corruption.”

“Interpret my statement however you wish, but we speak from within the people and for the people. Let’s be honest, had the fascist regime survived beyond August 5, you would still be working under the same autocratic government without protest.”

He continued, “If you oppose the public and threaten the government for pursuing reforms, remember that the people will not hesitate to find alternatives for you.”

“Did any secretary or officer resign before the 5th of August in protest of the killings of children and civilians in the streets?” he asked.

Accusing the civil servants of actively hindering government initiatives, Abdullah urged them to support the government and the reform agenda.

He advised them to raise discussions for any concerns or comments, instead of holding the government “hostage”.