Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Government employees of Bangladesh Secretariat threatened on Sunday that they would not return to their respective work until withdrawal of the draft of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025.
President of Bangladesh Secretariat Officials and Employees United Council Md Badiul Kabir made the announcement while demonstrating after closing the main gate of the Secretariat.
"We would resist their evil attempts as deemed through this ordinance. It is an oppressive law. We wouldn't return to our respective work until complete withdrawal of this ordinance. We will remain in front of the building of Bangladesh Secretariat," he said with a note of warning.
He said that they have talked with the advisers and secretaries but none assured them of resolving their problems, forcing them to wage movement.
He added that all the officials and employees of Bangladesh Secretariat were enraged over the draft of the ordinance for amending Public Service Act, 2018.
He said that in the draft ordinance there are provisions for punitive actions for breaking official discipline, putting obstruction on discharging duties, remaining absent at the workplaces without taking leave and instigating for not working.
Meanwhile, all types of visitor entry to the Bangladesh Secretariat will remain closed on Tuesday (May 27) due to unavoidable reasons.
The Public Security Division of the Home Ministry announced this in a notification on Monday.
Earlier the officials and employees gathered in front of building No. 6 (Badamtoli area) of the Secretariat from around 9:30 am. By 10:00 am, the premises were packed with demonstrators.
Shortly after 10:00 am, a procession began, led by Md Nurul Islam and Md Mojahidul Islam, president and general secretary, respectively, of a faction of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council.
The door was closed for around 20 minutes and none could enter or exit from the Bangladesh Secretariat at that time.
The procession started in front of building no. 6 and marched past the Cabinet Division, the new building, and the clinic building, ending in front of the building no. 11.
After a brief halt there, the demonstrators continued marching around the Secretariat premises.
They chanted slogans like "Be united and fight together", "We don't accept illegal black law" and "Our demand- our demand must to accepted."
Secretary General Nizam Uddin Ahmed and other leaders of the joint council were present.
Officials and employees across all levels have expressed anger over the draft ordinance amending the Public Service Act of 2018.
According to the draft, provisions have been included to allow dismissal from service without the opportunity for self-defense in cases of disciplinary breaches, obstruction of duties, unauthorised absence, or incitement to neglect responsibilities.
On May 22, the draft of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, received final approval at a meeting of the Advisory Council.
However, four advisers have been assigned to further review the issue.
Officials and employees have declared that their movement will continue until the ordinance is withdrawn.
Earlier, officials and employees from various levels also held protests at the Secretariat on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the government restructured on Sunday a ten-member permanent committee aiming to resolve the demands of the officials and employees of Bangladesh Secretariat.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com