- Romania Urged to Open Dhaka Mission as Trade Surges |
- Over 41,000 Containers Stuck at Ctg Port Amid Strike |
- WB Grants $270m Loan to Boost Bangladesh’s Recovery Plans |
- Bangladesh's Per Capita Debt Rises Sharply to $483 |
- Yunus to Visit UK in June to Boost Bangladesh-UK Ties |
Govt Staff Vow to Extend Strike Over 'Repressive' Ordinance
Government employees on Sunday threatened to continue their strike and abstain from duties until the draft Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 is withdrawn.
The announcement came from Md Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council, during a protest at the Secretariat’s main entrance.
“We will resist the ill motive behind this ordinance as it is a repressive law,” Badiul declared. “We will not return to work unless the ordinance is cancelled. Our sit-in protest at Badamtola, in front of Building No. 6, will continue.”
The protesters also warned they may shut all Secretariat gates and paralyse its operations if their demands are not met.
“We have already spoken to several advisers and secretaries, but none gave us a clear assurance. That’s why we are forced to take to the streets,” they added.
The protest began in the morning and was still ongoing as of 3pm. Employees from various departments refrained from work and rallied within the Secretariat premises, voicing strong opposition to the proposed law. A procession was also brought out on the premises.
The draft ordinance received approval from the Advisory Council on Thursday, triggering widespread protests among civil servants. In response, the government has assigned four advisers to review the draft further.
Demonstrators condemned the proposed amendments, calling them “repressive and draconian,” and demanded their immediate withdrawal. They argued the ordinance would limit employee rights and tighten government control over the civil service.
On Saturday, Badiul Kabir said the ordinance contains restrictive provisions borrowed from outdated special laws, which could be used to easily punish or dismiss public servants.
He added, “The proposed law contradicts the constitution. The Government Job Act, 2018 already contains necessary provisions. Introducing new punitive clauses through an ordinance is unjustified. This is a black law, and we demand its complete withdrawal.”