Law adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday acknowledged that certain provisions of the newly issued Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance have the potential to be misused.
Speaking to reporters after receiving a memorandum from leaders of the Secretariat Officers-Employees Unity Forum, Asif Nazrul said that the government is aware of the ongoing concerns and is taking steps to address them.
鈥楾here is scope for abuse in some provisions of the ordinance,鈥� he said, responding to question of the journalists.
He said, 鈥楾here are numerous objections regarding the ordinance from government employees. We are fully open to listening to their concerns.鈥�
Law adviser also announced that the government is planning to form a high-level advisory committee to review the ordinance.
鈥楢s far as I know, a high-level advisory committee will be formed. It will be tasked with listening to the objections thoroughly, considering them carefully, and making recommendations accordingly,鈥� he added.
The law adviser鈥� remarks come amid continued protests at the secretariat, where government employees are demanding the withdrawal of the ordinance, labeling it as a 鈥榬epressive鈥� and 鈥榖lack law.鈥�
The memorandum submitted on Tuesday stated the employees鈥� objections and urged the government to scrap the ordinance.
Md Badiul Kabir, co-chairman of the Officers-Employees Unity Forum, said that, 鈥榃e will announce a tougher movement on June 16 if the oppressive and repressive law will not repeal by June 15.鈥�
Earlier on the day, the protesting government employees held rallies and demonstrations in the Secretariat to press home their demand.
The interim government on May 25 promulgated the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 in a gazette, introducing stricter disciplinary measures. It was approved on May 22 at a meeting of the advisory council.
The ordinance has amended the Government Service Act 2018 by introducing a provision that lists activities considered 鈥榤isconduct鈥�.
The ordinance allows dismissal of public servants for 鈥榓dministrative disruptions鈥� within 14 days and without departmental proceedings.
Under the amendment, employees can now be dismissed with only a notice for four types of offences 鈥� disrupting discipline, obstructing duties, unauthorised absence, or inciting others not to carry out their duties.
Since May 24, officials and employees of the Secretariat have been staging protests demanding its withdrawal.
