Secretariat employees stage demo for withdrawal of ordinance

The officials and employees of Bangladesh Secretariat staged demo on Monday, warning that they would not return to their respective works until the withdrawal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.

Md Badiul Kabir, president of Bangladesh Secretariat Officials and Employees United Council, announced the warning during their demonstration at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Terming the ordinance "an oppressive law", they said they wouldn't return to their workstations until their demands are met.

He said 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 the draft ordinance provisions include putting obstruction on discharging duties, absence at the work without taking leaves.

The officials and employees gathered in front of building No. 6 of the Secretariat at 9:30 am, and held a procession, which ended in front of the building No. 11.

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.

Earlier, officials and employees from various levels also held protests at the Secretariat on Saturday.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com