Government employees are staging large-scale protests at the Bangladesh Secretariat, demanding the immediate repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
The demonstration, which began around 10:45am on Monday, is being led by Md Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council, alongside the council’s Secretary General Nizam Uddin Ahmed.
Protesters initially gathered in front of Building No 6 at the Secretariat and began a march through the premises.
At around 11am, another faction of the Coordinated Council, led by Md Nurul Islam and Mujahidul Islam, joined the protest, adding to the growing crowd.
Chanting slogans such as “Illegal black law must be repealed,” “We do not accept this law,” “Unite and resist—18 lakh employees,” and “No compromise, only struggle,” demonstrators expressed fierce opposition to the ordinance, which they have termed unjust, unconstitutional, and oppressive.
The newly promulgated ordinance, signed by the president on Sunday evening, permits the government to dismiss public servants for four categories of disciplinary breaches through a show-cause notice, bypassing formal departmental proceedings.
Many employees left their desks and joined the rally, which saw participation from across ministries and departments. The number of protesters continued to grow as the day progressed.
“This law will allow authorities to oppress employees—especially women—since they won’t be able to speak about their rights,” one protester told Dhaka Tribune.
Another demonstrator said: “Under the law, if any assembly or movement is carried out, the authorities will issue a termination notice within eight days, and thereafter the employee will have an opportunity to appeal within 30 days. If the appeal does not satisfy the authorities, the employee will lose their job. Following that, they will not be able to appeal to any court or legal authority.”
Highlighting existing power dynamics, a protester added: “It is often seen that third and fourth-class employees are made to do household chores for senior officials. If this law is not repealed, employees will remain hostage to the seniors and will be forced to accept whatever they say.”
If the demands are not accepted by 4pm on Monday, all gates will be closed, and the water and electricity lines will be shut down, warned the protesters.
Employee organizations have been mobilizing since May 22, when the Council of Advisers approved the draft ordinance. Protests intensified following the ordinance’s official issuance on Sunday.
