Bangladesh issues ordinance amending Public Service Act amid protests

Protesters have said the ordinance creates opportunities to punish or even dismiss government officials more easily

Despite a day of protests by civil servants at the Secretariat, the interim government has issued an ordinance amending the Public Service Act 2018.

The ordinance was issued on Sunday night with formal approval from the president.

The amendment introduces provisions for severe penalties—including dismissal—for acts such as unauthorised absence, disobedience and creating disorder in the workplace.

Earlier, the Advisory Council approved the proposal to issue the amendment as an ordinance on Thursday.

Starting from Sunday morning, government employees protested and held processions against the decision at the Secretariat throughout the day.

Protesters say the proposed ordinance creates opportunities to punish or even dismiss government officials more easily, raising concerns over its potential misuse.

The amendment added a new Section, “37A”, to the existing law.

The new section allows for action against an officer or employee found guilty, after issuing two seven-day notices.

The ordinance allows swift termination of government employees for engaging in or inciting disobedience, disrupting discipline, obstructing duties, or being absent without valid reasons.

Other offences include persuading others to neglect their responsibilities, or preventing colleagues from attending work or performing their duties.

The punishments for these offences include demotion, grade reduction, removal from service or dismissal from employment.

However, the accused officer or employee will have the right to appeal to the president within 30 working days of receiving the notice.