Secretariat protesters announce 1-hour work stoppage every day until Public Service Ordinance repealed

Protesting workers at the Secretariat have announced that they will conduct an hour-long work stoppage every day until the Public Service Ordinance (Amendment), 2025 is repealed.

Badiul Kabir, co-chairman of the Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum, made the announcement at a press conference at the Secretariat union’s office on Wednesday.

The protesters have received indications that this “black law” will be repealed, he said.

The matter is to be discussed once Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus returns from his state visit to Japan, Badiul added. The demands of the employees are being analysed and some secretaries have spoken to the cabinet secretary about the issue.

Though they have yet to make a clear statement, the outcome seems clear, Badiul said.

"Under the circumstances, we will observe a peaceful work stoppage for one hour from 10am to 11am every day from tomorrow. The stoppage will be conducted for a shorter period if necessary at hospitals and other providers of emergency services." Badiul said.

Land Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed told bdnews24.com, "We discussed the issue with the cabinet secretary in the morning. The rest of it can be discussed when the chief advisor returns from Japan. Since I am not in charge, I cannot say anything."