Secretariat Staff corner Finance Adviser over allowance demand

A tense situation unfolded at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday (December 10) as officials and employees from all ministries and divisions launched a united protest demanding a 20% Secretariat allowance for all staff.

The demonstration erupted around 2:30pm, when hundreds of employees gathered in the Secretariat premises, chanting slogans and pressing for the long-pending allowance.

Protesters said the issue had been delayed for years, and disparities in benefits across departments must end.

Tension escalated when the protesting staff surrounded Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, seeking an immediate and clear commitment from him.

Witnesses said security personnel appeared on alert as the crowd pressed forward.

Leaders of the movement declared that the protest would continue until the government provides a firm assurance to implement the 20% allowance, signaling the possibility of further disruptions inside the country’s administrative hub.