Protests paralyze secretariat for 4th consecutive day

For the fourth day in a row, the Secretariat has been flooded with protesting government employees. The atmosphere echoes with slogans like “We want job security, we want empathetic laws” and “We reject oppressive laws.” The uproar, both inside and outside the administrative complex, is sending shockwaves through the state machinery. The unrest stems from the recently passed Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and has prompted the government to form a review committee headed by Law and Justice Division Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher amid the employees’ persistent protests demanding its repeal.

Background of the Protest

In mid-May 2025, the government issued an ordinance introducing significant changes to the procedures for disciplinary actions against public servants. Many employees argue that the newly imposed conditions severely compromise their job security. Particularly troubling is a provision that allows for dismissal based on relatively minor allegations, sparking widespread discontent.

In response, the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council is set to stage another protest rally on Monday, May 26, calling for the immediate repeal of what they term a “repressive and black law.” They are also demanding the reinstatement of the ration system and Secretariat-specific allowances for employees.

The ordinance—formally titled Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025—was issued by President Md. Shahabuddin on the evening of May 25. It stipulates termination from service for four specified types of offenses.

Since May 24, hundreds of employees across various ministries, departments, and offices within the Secretariat have been participating in sit-ins and work abstentions under the leadership of Coordinated Council President Badiul Kabir and Secretary General Nizam Uddin Ahmed.

On the Ground: A Halt in Governance

By 9 a.m., several hundred employees had gathered in front of the main Secretariat building. With bags slung over their shoulders and files in hand, they headed not to their desks, but to the protest grounds. Even those who entered the building refrained from work, instead positioning themselves at departmental gates holding banners and placards.

“Our demand is crystal clear: the Cabinet-approved black law must be repealed,” declared Council President Badiul Kabir. He confirmed that Monday’s program would proceed as planned.

Led by Kabir and Ahmed, protest marches circulated through the Secretariat throughout the day.

An official from the Ministry of Finance, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are public servants dedicated to the nation. But with this law in place, even an unverified complaint could cost us our jobs. Is that fair?”

The disruption has severely stalled Secretariat operations. Important files are at a standstill, administrative letters are delayed, and even coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office has reportedly been affected.

The Roots of Employee Discontent

According to Secretariat insiders, many employees believe that the disciplinary rules, allegedly introduced to curb corruption, are unfairly targeting lower-tier staff. From office assistants to administrative officers, everyone feels vulnerable.

“We’re afraid that even a minor mistake or falling out with someone could cost us our jobs,” said Shahanaz Parvin, an office assistant. “We need legal safeguards if we are to be held accountable.”

Some employees—speaking anonymously—revealed that a few have already received temporary suspension notices, escalating tensions even further.

Government’s Position

To calm the unrest, the government is forming a review committee led by Law and Justice Division Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher. The goal is to evaluate the controversial ordinance amid ongoing employee protests.

A senior official from the Ministry of Public Administration stated, “The ordinance is aimed at ensuring administrative accountability. It does not intend to facilitate unjust terminations. Rather, it is part of an anti-corruption initiative.”

Impact on the Public

The protest has also affected citizens seeking services at the Secretariat. Abul Hossain, who traveled from Kushtia to meet with the Agriculture Department, said, “I’ve been coming here for three days. No one will speak to me or take my documents. Whether salaries go up or down doesn’t concern me—I just need my problem solved.”

Mozammel Hossain from Mymensingh shared a similar experience while dealing with a land ministry issue. “Government offices always mean delay, but now they’re completely shut. Where are we supposed to go?”

Political and Administrative Implications

Political analyst and public administration expert Dr. Rowshan Ara Chowdhury remarked, “This is not just an administrative issue—it carries political signals. For years, the bureaucracy has wielded a form of ambiguous authority. Now, an effort to impose controls is underway. But if this effort sows uncertainty among employees, it could backfire.”

She added, “The government should have pursued a phased reform process through dialogue.”

What Lies Ahead for the Government

According to sources, the Prime Minister’s Office has instructed the Ministry of Public Administration to initiate discussions with the employees. As part of this effort, the review committee is being formed. Experts warn that if a consensus is not reached soon, the protest could spread further, severely weakening administrative functions.

Enter the ‘Gang of Seven’

Although the protest appears to be a spontaneous movement of disgruntled employees, rumors suggest it is being orchestrated by a coordinated group within the Secretariat—dubbed the “Gang of Seven.” This group allegedly consists of seven senior administrative officials: two joint secretaries, three deputy secretaries, and two additional secretaries, all with 25–30 years of experience and known for their entrenched positions across successive governments.

Some believe this group is leveraging the protest to fortify their own influence. The fear is that the new ordinance could resurrect past allegations of misconduct, undisclosed wealth, or improper political affiliations. Hence, they are believed to be strategically driving the mass movement.

“We didn’t realize there was another game behind this protest,” admitted one anonymous participant. “Some officials had warned us months ago about the dangers of the law. Now we see their concern wasn’t just about us—but about themselves too.”

Attempts to contact these officials for comment were unsuccessful.

Such inner circles are not new to the Secretariat. Historically, they have dominated recruitment, promotions, special allocations, and even foreign training programs. Allegations persist that they strategically placed allies across key ministries.

Members of this group have reportedly enjoyed privileges under both ruling and opposition parties in the past. Some insiders claim they are attempting to establish a “shadow government” within the bureaucracy—not to shape policy, but to control its execution.

Analysts argue that such internal factions undermine democratic governance and muddle genuine employee grievances.

Warnings and Surveillance

An internal memo from the Ministry of Public Administration reveals concerns over “unusual activism” by certain senior officials inciting unrest among employees. Intelligence monitoring of some of these individuals is already underway. The government aims to manage the crisis by identifying and isolating its leaders, rather than using brute force.

A Cabinet Division official commented, “There are vested groups that resist reform. They don’t want transparency in the bureaucracy. The government seeks constructive dialogue, but these groups are exploiting the protests for personal gain.”

Experts agree that while the employees’ concerns are not without merit, a paralyzed Secretariat benefits no one. Only through strategic and empathetic dialogue can a resolution be achieved. What is needed now is a climate of mutual trust—where employees feel secure, and governance remains transparent.