The government has taken a major step to strengthen accountability and discipline among civil servants by introducing a legal provision allowing for direct dismissal in cases of misconduct and disobedience.
On Sunday, the Civil Service (Amendment) Act, 2026 was placed in the National Parliament by State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari during a sitting chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The bill was subsequently passed by a voice vote.
The amendment proposes the insertion of a new Section 37A after Section 37 of the existing Civil Service Act, 2018. Under this provision, certain acts by civil servants will be classified as “misconduct causing disruption in government work.”
These include disobeying lawful orders from superiors, obstructing the implementation of government circulars or directives, being collectively absent from work without valid reason, refraining from duty in coordination with other employees, and preventing colleagues from performing their official responsibilities.
For such offences, the law prescribes three forms of punishment:
Demotion to a lower rank or pay grade, compulsory retirement, and dismissal from service.
The amendment also seeks to ensure speedy disciplinary action.
According to the law, an accused employee must be asked to show cause within seven working days. If a prima facie case is established, a three-member investigation committee must be formed within three working days.
The committee is required to submit its report within 14 working days, with a possible extension of seven days in exceptional circumstances.
Failure to submit the report within the stipulated timeframe will be recorded as “inefficiency” on the part of the committee members.
Such instances will be documented in the Government Employee Management System (GEMS) under PMIS, as well as in the respective employee’s service record, and departmental action may also be taken against the committee members.
Employees found guilty may file an appeal within 30 working days. However, no appeal will be admissible against orders issued by the President; in such cases, only a review petition may be submitted.
In the statement of objectives and reasons attached to the bill, the government said the amendment aims to ensure accountability, uphold discipline, and prevent disorder in the civil service.
The bill also formalizes two ordinances issued in 2025, granting them a permanent legal framework.
With the passage of the amendment, the government has signalled a stricter approach to maintaining discipline and efficiency within public administration, reinforcing its commitment to a responsive and orderly civil service.