Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region, on Monday issued a stern warning against government employees holding a demonstration at the Secretariat against the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, as their protests entered the third day.
“During the July uprising, you wore black badges in support of Sheikh Hasina. Now you threaten to bring official activities to a halt. Yet, before August 5, none of you resigned by challenging Hasina’s authority and undermining her leadership,” Hasnat told reporters before the launch of the Chittagong north unit of the NCP.
Employees from different ministries and departments continued their protest for the third consecutive day at the Secretariat, opposing the issuance of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
In response to a question from a journalist regarding the protests, Hasnat said, addressing the demonstrators: “Had the fascist Awami League government remained in power, you would have continued your service, toeing the line as always. Therefore, if you stand in opposition to this new government after August 5 and attempt to obstruct the reform initiatives, be warned—the people will find your replacements.
"Did any government secretary, official or employee resign before August 5? Not a single resignation was seen. When citizens were being shot dead on the streets, did we hear of a single resignation from any secretary or bureaucrat? Yet now, with the new government in place, instead of cooperating, they have chosen to become obstacles.”
He warned that holding the government hostage will not lead to a favourable outcome.
“As long as this Hasnat Abdullah lives, any obstruction to the reform initiatives will be firmly resisted, together with the people."
"Do not think you are irreplaceable—the people will find alternatives. Therefore, cooperate with the government and support the reform process. If you have any observations regarding the reforms, address them through internal discussion and resolution. But if you attempt to hold the government hostage, the consequences will not be favourable."
