Secretariat staff continue protests over Public Service Ordinance

Government employees at the Secretariat resumed protests on Thursday, 19 June, demanding the withdrawal of the controversial Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.

Led by the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum, a coalition of various Secretariat-based staff groups, the demonstrations restarted after Eid holidays, following initial rallies that began on 16 June.

The ordinance, issued on 25 May, permits the government to terminate employees for four disciplinary offences based solely on a show-cause notice bypassing formal departmental inquiries. This has raised serious concerns about workers’ rights and job security.

Employees continue to call for the immediate repeal of the ordinance, citing threats to due process and fair treatment in the public service.