Public servants at the Bangladesh Secretariat submitted a memorandum to three advisers—Ali Imam Majumder, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Syeda Rizwana Hasan—on Monday with a demand for repealing the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance-2025.
After submitting the memorandum, Bangladesh Secretariat Employees Unity Forum co-chairman Md Nurul Islam told the mass media that they would announce though programme if their demand is not met.
Talking to the media after discussion with the striking leaders, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Fouzul Kabir acknowledged that certain sections of the ordinance might be misused.
“We are aware of its shortcomings. We wouldn’t say any more. We’ll just convey your (employees) demand to the advisory council. You also may consider how the ordinance can be made acceptable by incorporating safeguards,” he said.
Khan, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, requested the employees to maintain a congenial environment at the Secretariat.
Employees Unity Forum co-secretary general Md Nazrul Islam, among others, was present there.
Earlier, they staged a demonstration outside Secretariat Building 6 as part of their ongoing movement. They threatened to wage a stronger movement after Eid if their demand remains unmet now.
During the protest, they chanted slogans like ‘Abolish the black law’, ‘Employees turn down the black law’, ‘We don’t accept this repressive ordinance’, ‘Unite and fight, 1.8 million employees’, and ‘Beware, collaborators of fascism’.
The ordinance, issued on May 25, allows for the termination of public servants for four types of disciplinary breaches without departmental proceedings. It will require only a show-cause notice.