Advisor Fouzul acknowledges 'defects' in public service ordinance amid protests

Fouzul Kabir Khan, advisor to the interim government, has admitted that the newly enacted ordinance amending the Public Service Act contains “inherent defects” amid ongoing protests against the law by government employees.

Speaking to protesters at the Secretariat on Sunday, Fouzul said: “There are some provisions here that have the potential for misuse. Your position is that this should be scrapped. I will relay your demands to the Advisory Council.”

“But you must consider whether the provisions with potential for misuse can be specifically identified. We are aware that there are inherent defects in this ordinance.”

The road transport and bridges advisor also urged the disgruntled employees to remain open to dialogue.

“There’s a problem with rigidly holding on to a position. It hinders progress in discussions. Think about what safeguards could be introduced to make the law acceptable to you.”

Earlier, union leaders Nurul Islam and Nazrul Islam submitted a memorandum to Fouzul, outlining what they called the ordinance’s “repressive and punitive” elements. They criticised the amendment, saying it could be weaponised against employees under the guise of discipline.

Meanwhile, demonstrations continued at the Secretariat’s Badamtoli area. Around 11am, hundreds of employees marched through various wings of the complex, calling on colleagues to join the protest via loudspeakers.

At the heart of the discontent is Section 37Ka, a new addition to the law. It allows authorities to take disciplinary action, including demotion, removal, or suspension, for acts deemed as insubordination, unauthorised absence, or incitement of work stoppages.

Employees can be served two consecutive seven-day notices to explain their conduct. If deemed unsatisfactory, punitive action can be taken. Appeals are allowed within 30 working days of the notice, but only to the president.

The protesters have branded the ordinance a “black law”, warning that it could be used to arbitrarily punish or dismiss government officials.