Dissatisfaction is gradually intensifying among government employees across the country, as a combination of economic pressure and administrative developments shapes sentiment within the public service, officials say.
Discussions with employees at the Secretariat and field-level administrations -- including divisional commissioners’ offices, deputy commissioners’ offices and upazila administrations -- indicate that the issue is no longer isolated, with concerns now cutting across different grades and departments.
Many officials say the situation is affecting morale, contributing to slower work pace and a growing reluctance toward routine duties.
A central concern remains the absence of a revised pay scale.
The current salary structure, introduced in 2015, has remained unchanged for more than a decade despite rising inflation and increasing living costs.
Officials say household expenses have climbed sharply in recent years, while incomes have remained static, creating a widening gap between earnings and expenditure.
Several employees said managing basic expenses has become increasingly difficult, with some reporting growing dependence on loans to meet monthly needs.
The uncertainty surrounding a new pay structure has further added to frustration, as there is no clear timeline for implementation.
Although a pay commission formed during the interim period submitted its recommendations, officials said the decision to implement a new pay scale now hinges on the national budget.
Earlier indications suggested partial implementation from January 2026 and full rollout from July, but no final announcement has yet been made.
Beyond financial concerns, administrative practices have also contributed to the unease.
Officials across different levels pointed to issues related to transfers, postings and recruitment, where perceptions of inconsistency and lack of transparency have been raised.
Some employees said these practices are affecting confidence in institutional processes and limiting career predictability.
The increasing reliance on contractual and outsourced recruitment, instead of filling permanent positions, has emerged as another area of concern.
Employees say this trend is reducing opportunities for stable employment and altering the traditional structure of public service.
According to data from the Ministry of Public Administration, the total approved number of government posts stands at 1,919,111, of which 468,220 remain vacant.
The number of officials and employees currently in service is 1,450,891.
Vacancies are particularly high in sectors such as health, primary education, and posts, telecommunications and information technology, placing additional workload on existing staff.
Officials say the combination of workforce shortages and rising economic stress is contributing to a gradual erosion of motivation within the administration.
At the same time, recent policy measures have also drawn attention among employees.
The Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, introduced provisions related to disciplinary action, including compulsory retirement in certain circumstances.
While the measure aims to strengthen administrative discipline, some employees say it has created apprehension and a sense of uncertainty within sections of the workforce.
Employee organisations have responded by announcing programs including human chains, memorandums and limited work stoppages, primarily calling for the introduction of a new pay scale.
They argue that a revised structure is necessary to address disparities and restore financial stability.
Analysts say the situation reflects a broader intersection of economic and administrative challenges.
They note that sustained inflation, combined with delayed policy decisions and structural adjustments in recruitment and governance, can influence workforce morale if left unaddressed.
They also emphasize that timely policy clarity, particularly on pay reform, alongside efforts to ensure consistency in administrative practices, could help stabilise sentiment within the public service.
The government has formed a committee to review some of the concerns raised by employees.
However, officials say the effectiveness of such measures will depend on how quickly concrete decisions are taken.
For now, the underlying discontent remains, shaped by both immediate financial pressures and longer-term institutional concerns, with implications for the functioning of the country’s administrative system.
