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Published : 25 May 2025, 07:18 PM
In the face of protests by civil servants demanding the withdrawal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured that the government will discuss the new law before bringing it into effect.
He explained that the government amended the law again because it was deemed necessary.
On Thursday, the Advisory Council approved a proposal to issue the amendment to the Public Service Act in the form of an ordinance. Once the president gives formal approval, it will be officially enacted.
Protesters say the proposed ordinance creates opportunities to punish or even dismiss civil servants more easily, raising concerns over its potential misuse.
The demonstration started at 9:00am on Sunday when staff began gathering in front of building No. 6 at the Secretariat. At one point, they marched through parts of the government's administrative headquarters as part of their protest.
They had also staged demonstrations on Saturday, a designated special working day.
Commenting on the protest, Jahangir said the erstwhile Awami League government had amended the Public Service Act in 2018 to "manipulate" the election process.
Now, the interim government is making the necessary changes to the law to redress the issue, according to him.
However, if staff have concerns, those can be discussed and resolved through dialogue, he added.
Badiul Kabir, a leader of the workers’ union, said that the ordinance includes provisions that contradict human rights.
He added that despite the advisor’s assurances, they will continue with their demonstrations.
The law would apply to all government staff, from 20th grade staff up to first-class officers.
However, non-cadre staff are expected to be the most affected.
