Employees have suspended their protest at the Secretariat following assurance by the government to review the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
The demonstrations were halted after authorities pledged to form a 13-member secretarial committee to re-evaluate the ordinance.
The ordinance was approved in draft form by the Advisory Council last Thursday and came into effect on Sunday night.
It includes provisions allowing for strict disciplinary action — without investigation — against employees who allegedly disrupt official work. It permits punitive measures through two consecutive 14-day notices.
Employees have termed the ordinance repressive and called for its immediate withdrawal.
Earlier on Tuesday, stringent security measures were taken at the Bangladesh Secretariat as government employees escalated protests demanding the immediate withdrawal of the ordinance.
Amid such tight security by law enforcement agencies, government employees continued their protests inside the Secretariat.
As per their pre-announced programme, the employees began their demonstration after 11am. They continued their protest for the fourth consecutive day, demanding the withdrawal of the ordinance.
The amendment has triggered widespread discontent among public sector workers, who argue it threatens job security, diminishes employee rights, and centralises excessive authority in the hands of senior officials.
As of 10:00am, members of the specialised the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit were seen stationed at the Secretariat’s main entrance, while personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed outside the compound.
Entry has been strictly restricted to authorised government officials and employees, in an effort to prevent further escalation of the unrest.