Government employees on Monday staged protests inside the secretariat for the third consecutive day, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the new 鈥楪overnment Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025鈥�.
The government employees under the banner of 鈥楤angladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum鈥� concluded the third-day demonstration at about 2:30 PM with an announcement to continue their protests.
Leaders of the unity forum in front of the new building of the Cabinet Division and the ministry of public administration declared that fresh protest rallies would be held again at the secretariat today.聽
They also urged the government employees throughout the country to organise similar programmes at their respective offices.
The unity forum鈥檚 co-chair Md Badiul Kabir said, 鈥楾he movement will continue until the 鈥渂lack law鈥� 鈥� the amendment ordinance 鈥� is completely withdrawn. Only then will be the ongoing programmes suspended.鈥�
Earlier in the day, employees from various ministries and departments gathered at the 鈥楤adamtala鈥� spot inside the secretariat at about 11:00am before parading different lanes at the secretariat.
They later gathered in front of the new building of the Cabinet Division and the ministry of public administration for a rally and then marched back to Badamtala.
At one point, they approached the main gate of the secretariat, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down several gates, including the main entrance for a few time.
The unity forum leaders at 2:30pm announced that they would continue the protests on Tuesday.
Amid the demonstration, the interim government on Sunday promulgated the 鈥楪overnment Service (amendment) Ordinance 2025鈥� in a gazette, introducing stricter disciplinary measures for government employees.
The law ministry published the ordinance amending the 2018 Government Service Act amid protests by the employees of the secretariat against the new ordinance.
The ordinance allows swift disciplinary action against government employees without formal departmental proceedings.
According to the new ordinance, the government employees will receive a show-cause notice within seven days of an allegation being filed against them.
If any employee is found guilty, they will receive another seven-day notice asking them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.
As per the amendment, employees can be terminated without an opportunity for self-defence for offences such as disrupting discipline, obstructing duties, unauthorised absence, or inciting others to not carry out their duties.
It also stated that employees cannot appeal the president鈥檚 decision to punish them, but may request a review of the order.
Employees of the Bangladesh Secretariat have been staging the protests for the past three days inside the secretariat terming the ordinance as a 鈥榖lack law鈥� and 鈥榬epressive鈥�.
Earlier, the ordinance was approved by the advisory council on Thursday, following vetting by the law ministry.
Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party South Zone chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah issued a stern warning to those demonstrating at the secretariat in the capital city, saying that any attempt to hold the government hostage or obstruct reform initiatives would meet with dire consequences.
Speaking to journalists on Monday morning before commencing his organisational tour of the Chattogram North district, Hasnat addressed a gathering in front of Biplob Udyan in the port city.
Referring to the ongoing demonstrations at the secretariat, Hasnat said, 鈥業f you try to intimidate the government in front of the people and to derail the reform process, remember that the people will find your alternatives. Before August 5, did any secretary, official, or employee at the secretariat resign? When innocent citizens and children were shot dead on the streets, did any bureaucrat take responsibility or step down?鈥�
He observed that those opposing the reforms were not cooperating with the government efforts.
鈥榃e want to be clear, so long Hasnat Abdullah and lakhs of others like me are alive, we will not allow any obstacles to the reform agenda. If hurdles come from the secretariat, we will respond with a firm hand, backed by the people,鈥� warned Hasnat.
He went on to say that if government employees had concerns or suggestions, they should bring them to the table for discussion. 鈥楤ut do not try to paralyse the government; that will only worsen the situation,鈥� he said.
鈥榊ou didn鈥檛 have the courage to question the fascist regime, and now you want to resist a reformist government?鈥� Hasnat further said.
During his Chattogram North district tour, Hasnat Abdullah was scheduled to address six roadside rallies in Rangunia鈥檚 Rojarhat, Raozan Bus Stand, Hathazari Dak Bungalow, Bibirhat in Fatikchhari, Baraiarhat in Mirsarai, and Sitakunda Bazar.
Senior NCP leaders, including senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, joint member secretary Mir Arshadul Haque, joint chief organisers Dr Mahmuda Alam Mitu and Md Ataullah, and central organiser Arman Hossain, accompanied Hasnat on the campaign.
On Sunday, Hasnat Abdullah and other NCP leaders addressed several roadside gatherings during their organisational visit to southern Chattogram.
