Secretariat employees renew protests demanding better pay, perks

They are calling for the swift implementation of a new pay scale, and an increase in training allowances

Secretariat employees have launched fresh protests to press for better job opportunities.

Around 11am on Sunday, a group of employees gathered at the Ministry of Housing and Public Works before marching to the Finance Bhaban.

The employees attempted to meet the finance secretary but were unable to find him in his office. In his absence, a group of protesters stood outside chanting slogans.

The Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Council led the protest, calling for a range of measures, including the swift implementation of a new pay scale, an increase in training allowances, and the introduction of ration benefits.

Their demands also include extending the "Sanjivani" training programme to 10 days, raising the training allowance to Tk 20,000, and providing ration benefits for six members of each employee’s family.

“The privileges of officials are increasing day by day. At the same time, the privileges of employees are diminishing,” said Md Badiul Kabir, president of the council.

“We used to get Sanjivani training facilities for five days a year. Now they are trying to reduce it to three days. We have started the movement to protest against all this.”

At least 50 employees joined the procession at the Secretariat on Sunday.