Secretariat staff set to submit memo to advisors as protests over ordinance continue

Government employees have once again staged a demonstration in the Secretariat demanding the repeal of the recently issued ordinance amending the Public Service Act.

Around 11am on Sunday, a group of 20 to 30 employees set off in a procession from the Information Bhaban and gathered at Badamtoli. Using a loudspeaker, they called on their colleagues to join the protest.

At about 11:10am, another group of around a hundred people marched to Badamtoli from Building 11.

The protesters are scheduled to submit a memorandum to several advisors of the interim government later in the day to press home their demands.

Earlier on Wednesday, the disgruntled employees had announced a plan to observe a peaceful one-hour work stoppage every day from 10am to 11am starting Thursday.

On May 22, the Advisory Council approved a proposal to amend the Public Service Act in the form of an ordinance.

In protest, officials and employees staged a daylong demonstration at the Secretariat on May 24. Despite their objections, the ordinance received presidential approval and was officially issued on May 25.

The amendment includes a new clause, Section 37Ka, added to the previous law.

According to the new provision, an official or employee can face disciplinary action if found guilty following two seven-day notice periods.

Protesters say the ordinance creates opportunities to punish or even arbitrarily dismiss government officials, raising concerns over its potential misuse.