Secretariat officials and employees have begun a one-hour daily strike starting on Thursday, demanding the repeal of the “Government Jobs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.”
They announced that if their demands are not met, a new phase of protest will begin after Saturday.
Field-level offices, including those of divisional commissioners and district administrators, have also been urged to join the strike.
The protest will be observed daily from 10am to 11am, said Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council, at a press conference on Wednesday.
The announcement followed a one-day suspension of their previous program.
Kabir said: “We’ve received a positive signal on our legitimate demand to repeal this illegal ordinance. We hope employees will be satisfied with the outcome of ongoing discussions.”
He emphasized that communication is ongoing with the advisory board and senior officials, including secretaries, to uphold employee dignity and ensure a fair, peaceful work environment.
According to Kabir, the government has begun reviewing the ordinance at the highest level. “Many have now realized its harmful implications,” he said. “This regressive law will not benefit the public or government employees.”
He noted that with Eid-ul-Azha and the budget announcement approaching, the movement will continue with sensitivity to emergency services. “The Secretariat strike will remain one hour daily. However, employees involved in critical services—such as budget work or patient care—should limit participation to no more than 30 minutes if possible.”
‘Strike will continue’
Responding to journalists, Oikya Forum co-chairman Nurul Islam said the strike will continue until Saturday, after which a new program will be announced if no resolution is reached. “There is no option to withdraw,” he asserted.
He added that the advisers would be formally briefed via direct communication and a memorandum.
Kabir said the previous day’s meeting with seven secretaries led to a significant discussion with the Cabinet Secretary. “While no clear assurances were given, we’re hopeful of a positive outcome.”
To employees, he appealed: “Those in emergency services—particularly budget-related staff and healthcare workers—can determine internally how long to strike. My suggestion is to keep it under 30 minutes, ensuring public service is not disrupted.”
Md Nurul Islam, representing another faction of the Secretariat Officers-Employees Coordinated Council, echoed concerns over the ordinance's negative impact.
Earlier on Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid said the demand for repeal would be placed before Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus upon his return from Japan on Saturday.
Land Ministry Senior Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed confirmed that while the Cabinet Secretary is aware of the situation, only the Chief Adviser can make a final decision.
After meeting with secretaries on Tuesday, protest leaders suspended the strike for Wednesday only.
The ordinance, issued Sunday evening, allows dismissal for four types of disciplinary offenses with only a show-cause notice, bypassing formal proceedings.
Officials announced that a 13-member committee, headed by Law and Justice Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher, will be formed to address the issue. It will include seven top secretaries and three representatives of the protesting employees.
On May 22, the Advisory Council approved the ordinance, and it was gazetted on Sunday. Among its controversial provisions is the power to dismiss employees with just eight days’ notice and no investigation.
Protesters have condemned the ordinance as a “black law” and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
In response, the Ministry of Public Administration has formed a 10-member committee to review their demands.