Parliament on Sunday passed the “Public Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” introducing stringent penalties, including compulsory retirement and dismissal, for government employees found guilty of misconduct that obstructs public service.
The Minister of State for Public Administration, Md. Abdul Bari, moved the bill, which was subsequently passed by a voice vote in a session presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
The amendment seeks to ensure the accountability of government employees and establish discipline at the workplace by amending the ‘Public Service Act, 2018’.
Defining misconduct and penalties
Under the new legislation, a new section termed 37A, has been inserted following Section 37 of the original Act.
This section stipulates that if a government employee profile disobeys the legal orders of superior authorities, obstructs the implementation of any government circulars or directives, remains collectively absent from work without reasonable cause, or hinders other employees from performing their duties, such actions will be considered “misconduct obstructing public service.”
To address these offences, the bill proposes three primary punishments, which include reduction to a lower post or lower pay grade, compulsory retirement, and dismissal from service.
Expedited investigation and accountability
To uphold discipline, the law mandates a swift investigation process where an accused individual is required to show cause within seven working days.
If a prima facie basis for the allegation is established, a three-member investigation committee must be formed within three working days, and this committee is tasked with submitting its report within 14 working days, though a further extension of seven days may be granted for special requirements.
The bill introduces a clause for the accountability of the investigators themselves, stating that if a committee fails to submit its report within the stipulated timeframe, it will be recorded as “inefficiency.”
This record will be entered into the officials’ Government Employee Management System (GEMS) PMIS and dossiers, and departmental action may be taken against them.
Aggrieved employees may file an appeal within 30 working days, however, no appeal can be made against orders issued by the president, as in such instances, only a review application may be submitted.
According to the statement of objects and reasons, the law aims to ensure accountability, establish loyalty, and prevent disorder among government employees. This legislation also repeals two previous ordinances issued in 2025, providing them with a permanent legal framework.
