All the civil service cadres barring Administration will observe a two-day 'pen-down' strike - essentially a work abstention without shutting down the office - starting Tuesday to meet their demands, under the banner of the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Elimination Council. 

Officials from the 25 civil service cadres under ICDEC will observe the program across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9am to 12pm, the ICDEC said in a press release on Monday.

However, emergency services, including hospital emergency departments, will remain outside the purview of the pen-down strike.

According to the press release, 12 members from across the 25 cadres were recently suspended temporarily for posting on social media. 

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Despite assurances from various government authorities of a resolution, the issue remains unresolved, and departmental proceedings are ongoing against several officers.

However, no punitive action has been taken against administration cadre officers, despite their involvement in activities beyond regulations.

The release also alleged that complications have been deliberately created in the interest of a specific cadre group (presumably Administration), particularly affecting cadres in health, education, statistics, postal services, family planning, customs, and taxation.

Besides, the council opposed the Public Administration Reform Commission’s quota recommendation for the deputy secretary post, stating protests were launched because the decision was made without consulting ICDEC.

Earlier, on May 20, under the Parishad's call, 25 cadre members formed a human chain at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka from 5:10pm to 6:30pm to demand the same rights. 

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In addition, a full-day work abstention took place on March 2, a one-hour pen strike was held nationwide on December 24, and a human chain was organized on December 26.