Secretariat officers, employees protest against ‘Government Service Ordinance-2025’

Officers and employees of the Secretariat held a protest on Sunday morning demanding the immediate repeal of the ‘Government Service Ordinance-2025’. The demonstrators gathered in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs gate, staging a sit-in and raising slogans condemning the ordinance.

The protest was organized under the banner of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Joint Council, led by President Md. Badiul Kabir and Co-Chairman Md. Nurul Islam. Kabir stated that the existing Government Service Act, 2018, adequately addresses all codes of conduct and regulations. “The new ordinance introduces restrictive clauses that undermine employees’ rights and represent a retrogressive step,” he said, calling for its swift withdrawal.

Employees from various departments left their offices to join the protest rally, which saw a large turnout and slogans such as “We will not accept illegal black laws.”

Last Thursday, the Advisory Council approved the draft ordinance amid strong opposition from government employee organizations. Multiple groups, including two factions of the Secretariat Officers and Employees Joint Council and the Inter-Ministry Employees Association, have voiced their dissent, warning that the ordinance contradicts constitutional provisions and threatens workers’ rights.

Critics also highlighted the lack of consultation with stakeholders before the ordinance was finalized. The Ministry of Law’s Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division provided legal vetting, after which the Advisory Council gave its approval, a process described by employee leaders as “regrettable” and “secretive.”

The draft ordinance includes provisions for swift disciplinary action, including dismissal, demotion, and salary reduction, against employees accused of misconduct or absenteeism without valid reasons. It essentially reinstates clauses from the 1979 Government Employees (Special Provisions) Ordinance, which was rendered inactive following constitutional amendments.

The Cabinet Division confirmed that the ordinance draft had undergone legal scrutiny and would be promulgated upon presidential approval. However, detailed information regarding the specific changes has not been released.

Employee representatives warn that the ordinance could lead to increased workplace unrest and urge the government to reconsider its position.