Secretariat employees suspend work stoppage, vow to continue movement

With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, secretariat employees have announced a temporary suspension of their one-hour work abstention, while affirming that their movement will carry on. They clarified that the protest is still ongoing—only the form of the demonstration has been briefly altered.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Employees Unity Forum unveiled its new program on Thursday (May 29) after observing a one-hour work stoppage at the Secretariat.

At a press conference, the forum’s co-chairman, Nurul Islam, said, “Talks can continue, but there must be a timeframe. There are four days left before Eid. The chief advisor is returning to the country on Saturday—we hope a positive decision will come on Sunday.”

He further said, “If the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 can be canceled, implementing a unified policy will be easier. We hope the Cabinet Secretary, Public Administration Secretary, and others will discuss the issue with the chief advisor and come to a positive outcome.”

The forum said that on Sunday, memorandums will be submitted to advisors Ali Imam Majumder, Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, and Syeda Rizwana Hasan. On Monday, memorandums will be given to advisors Mahfuz Alam, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and the Cabinet Secretary.

The co-chairman said, “If we receive a positive message on Sunday, we will withdraw the protest and celebrate Eid peacefully.”

Earlier on Thursday, employees at the Secretariat observed a one-hour work abstention starting at 10 am. During this period, staff from various ministries and departments refrained from their duties. The program was also carried out at divisional headquarters, as well as at the offices of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs).

The protest stems from the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, issued on May 25. The ordinance allows for the dismissal of employees for four types of misconduct based solely on a show-cause notice, without initiating any departmental proceedings. The movement is calling for this provision to be revoked.