DHAKA, MAY 25 (V7N) – Government employees in Bangladesh today threatened an indefinite work abstention until the withdrawal of the controversial draft ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’.

Md Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council, announced the threat during a demonstration at the main entrance of the Secretariat. "We will resist the ill motive behind this ordinance as it is a repressive law," he declared. "We will not return to our duties unless the ordinance is withdrawn. We will continue our sit-in protest at Badamtola (in front of Building No. 6) inside the Secretariat."

The protesting employees also warned of further escalation, including shutting all gates and bringing Secretariat operations to a halt. They stated that despite discussions with several advisers and secretaries, no assurance of withdrawal was given, forcing them to resort to street protests.

The protest, which began in the morning, was ongoing as of 3 PM. Employees from various departments refrained from work, gathering within the Secretariat premises to voice their opposition to the ordinance. A procession was also brought out, with employees chanting slogans such as "Secretariat workers, get united and fight," "We reject the illegal black law," and "Our demands should be met."

The draft ordinance, which seeks to amend the Public Service Act, 2018, received a nod from the interim government's Advisory Council on May 22. This approval triggered immediate protests from employees, who have labeled it "repressive and draconian," demanding its immediate cancellation. They argue that the proposed amendments would curtail employee rights and significantly increase government control over civil servants.

Among the key provisions in the ordinance that have sparked outrage are those classifying several types of conduct as misconduct, including disloyal acts, inciting disobedience, collective or individual absence without leave, and obstructing colleagues. Punishments for such misconduct can include demotion, removal, or dismissal. Crucially, the ordinance introduces a streamlined disciplinary process that could allow penalties to be imposed without a formal departmental inquiry, a point of major contention for the employees.

In response to the protests, the government has assigned four advisers to review the draft further, signaling a potential for dialogue amidst the growing unrest. However, the employees remain steadfast in their demand for complete withdrawal.

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