United News of Bangladesh

Teachers and employees of MPO-listed private educational institutions have threatened that they will march towards the Secretariat from the Central Shaheed Minar if their demands are not met and the government fails to issue a notification by 4pm on Monday. The protesters said their ongoing sit-in and work abstention programmes would continue until the demands are fulfilled. The teachers and employees have been staging demonstrations to press home a three-point demand including 20 percent of the basic salary (or a minimum of Tk 3,000) as house rent allowance. 163 primary school teachers in Sylhet face action for absence without leave They have been staging a sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar while work abstention continues in all MPO-listed institutions. Their other demands are a Tk 1,500 medical allowance for both teachers and employees and increasing the festival allowance for employees to 75 percent. Abdul Barek, a teacher of Darus Sunnat Kamil Madrasa in Kaukhali, Pirojpur, said, “If the notification is not issued by 4pm today, we will march towards the Secretariat.” He alleged that police attacked the protesting teachers on Sunday. “We were beaten indiscriminately. Our teachers were humiliated and injured. Tear gas was fired and one of our colleagues was dragged away. We strongly condemn this and demand justice,” he said. The teachers and employees launched their continuous sit-in on Sunday in front of the Jaitya Press Club, with a large number of participants from across the country. Police dispersed then using batons, sound grenades, and water cannons. Following the police action, the demonstrators moved to the Central Shaheed Minar where they have continued their protest since.  

Bangladesh Secretariat employees will observe a mass campaign on Tuesday demanding the cancellation of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance-2025. The announcement came on Monday after the employees staged a two-hour work abstention programme from 11 am to 1 pm as part of their ongoing movement. During the work stoppage, employees from various ministries and departments gathered at the Central Library on the third floor of Building-2 in the Secretariat. Speaking at the event, Md Badiul Kabir, Co-chairman of Bangladesh Secretariat Officers-Employees Unity Forum, said, “We will conduct a mass campaign inside the Secretariat tomorrow (Tuesday) to press home our demand for repealing the ordinance.” Secretariat employees to observe 2-hour work abstention today Urging employees’ leaders to refrain from making provocative remarks, another Co-chairman of the forum Nurul Islam said, “We have not received any positive message from authorities. Former Chief Election Commissioners have been publicly humiliated, paraded with shoes around their necks. Those currently misusing power should take lessons, as everyone will face consequences for their actions.” Secretariat employees launched their movement on May 24, demanding the withdrawal of the draft Public Service Ordinance after its approval by the Advisory Council. The government, however, promulgated the ordinance on May 25 amid protests. According to the ordinance, employees can be dismissed without departmental proceedings for four categories of disciplinary offences, with only a show-cause notice required. Ahead of the Eid holidays, employees staged protests inside the Secretariat until June 3. They also submitted memorandums to seven government advisers, warning of tougher protests if the ordinance was not scrapped by June 15. Secretariat employees to observe 2-hour work abstention on Monday On June 4, the Cabinet Division formed a review committee led by Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul to assess the ordinance and submit recommendations. The committee was scheduled to hold its first meeting Monday afternoon. The Law Adviser has urged employees to refrain from further protests until the committee submits its recommendations.

Government employees on Wednesday warned of fresh protests on Thursday if the authorities fail to take steps to repeal the recently enacted Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. Leaders of the movement said on Wednesday that the demonstrations will continue until the ordinance is completely revoked. Nurul Islam, co-chairman of the Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum, said, “We have already planned conventions in all eight divisions. Senior government officials have betrayed our trust in the name of dialogue. We demand a 50 percent dearness allowance. Those bureaucrats supporting this fascist ordinance must be removed.” Forum president Badiul Kabir echoed the demand, affirming that the protest would persist until the ordinance is scrapped in its entirety. Demand to repeal govt service ordinance: Employees resume protest at Secretariat Protesters staged demonstrations in front of Building No. 6 of the Secretariat on Wednesday, reiterating their opposition to the ordinance. Nazrul Islam, another leader of the movement, said, “We are disciplined government workers. But if the ordinance is not withdrawn, we will launch a larger movement on Sunday.” The government promulgated the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 on May 25, introducing a provision that allows the termination of public servants—without departmental proceedings—in four specific disciplinary cases, requiring only a show-cause notice. The draft of the ordinance was approved during the Advisory Council meeting on May 22. Since May 24, all unions representing government officers and staff at the Secretariat have been staging joint protests, calling for the repeal of what they describe as a “repressive and undemocratic ordinance.”  

Bangladesh Secretariat Oikya Forum on Thursday suspended its one-hour work abstention and announced to submit memorandums to five advisers on Sunday and Monday to press home its demand for scrapping the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. The announcement came at a press briefing held at the central library of the Secretariat following a one-hour work abstention. Secretariat employees stage one-hour work abstention Md Nurul Islam, co-chairman of the forum, said, "We will submit memorandums to Advisers Ali Imam Majumder, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday. On Monday, memorandums will be handed over to Advisers Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain." He stressed the need for a specific timeline regarding the issue and said, “We have four working days before Eid. We cannot wait forever. We've heard that the Chief Adviser is expected to return this Saturday. In that case, we are hopeful of receiving positive news on Sunday. However, that does not mean we are backing down from our movement.” He expressed hope that the cabinet secretary, the secretary of Public Administration Ministry and other relevant officials would hold talks with the Chief Adviser upon his return and deliver a favourable outcome. “We are holding on to that hope,” he said. Nurul further mentioned that memorandums would also be submitted to the cabinet secretary through heads of institutions and agencies working at the field level.  Visitors banned from entering secretariat on Mondays, Thursdays “If we get a positive response on Sunday, we will withdraw all our protest programmes and celebrate Eid with a sense of achievement,” he added. Earlier in the day, employees from various ministries and divisions observed a one-hour work abstention from 10 am at the secretariat, in line with their pre-declared programme demanding the repeal of the 'Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025'.

The government has imposed a ban on visitor entry to the Bangladesh Secretariat on Mondays and Thursdays every week, effective immediately. The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification to this effect on Wednesday (May 28). Secretariat employees stage one-hour work abstention “Considering the meeting of the Advisory Council and overall matters, entry of all types of visitors into the Bangladesh Secretariat will remain suspended every Monday and Thursday of each week until further notice,” the notice reads.  

Officials who held key positions in the administration during the Awami League (AL) regime are now under heightened intelligence surveillance, sparking concerns about potential transfers and being made officers on special duty (OSD). The recent decision to place former Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and secretaries under surveillance has triggered tensions in the administration. Several officials working in various ministries and departments of the Secretariat told UNB that officials and employees who were in significant roles under the AL government are now in fear of being designated as officers on special duty (OSD) or being forced into retirement. Particularly, those who served as DCs, SPs and secretaries are now under scrutiny, as a major reshuffling within the administration is imminent. Dialysis Crisis: Manikganj Hospital left with only one working machine Bureaucratic Discontent Officials who had served in the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Division, Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government Division, personal secretaries to ministers, and divisional commissioners are increasingly anxious, sources said. The recent developments have further exacerbated fears of instability in the promotion and transfer process within the administration. Former DCs involved in the controversial elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 are particularly under the microscope. The interim government is taking punitive action against them. So far, 65 officers have either been sent on retirement or made OSD.  Among these, 22 former DCs (currently holding positions such as secretaries, additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries) have completed 25 years of service and are being forced into retirement. Besides, 33 former DCs have been designated as OSD, and 12 more former DCs have already been made OSD earlier. Several secretaries have also been sent into OSD or retirement. After six years of struggling to find a job, Zahid finds success in strawberry farming Crackdown on Corruption The government is intensifying its efforts to probe officials linked to corruption during the AL government's tenure. According to official sources, action will be taken against officers who amassed illegal wealth during their time in power. Even those who have retired are not beyond the radar of investigation. A source at the Ministry of Public Administration told UNB that the government’s advisory committee has compiled a list of many officials who have worked in key government departments over the past 17 years. "Many officials who served as personal secretaries (PSs) to ministers during the last three terms of the AL government have already been made OSD. Decisions regarding them will be made shortly," said the source. Government Push for Efficiency Despite these measures, the desired level of momentum and efficiency has not yet returned to the administration. Due to lack of coordination, several high-level appointments, including secretaries, PSC members and DCs, are being canceled. To resolve this issue and streamline the process, the government has formed an advisory committee led by the finance adviser to manage promotions and transfers. Retrospective Benefits for Deprived Officials In an effort to address the grievances of officials who were deprived of promotions during the BNP-era and subsequently went into retirement, the government has formed a high-level committee led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan. This committee has been tasked with compensating these officers. A total of 764 officials have been granted backdated promotions and financial benefits. These include 119 promoted to the position of secretary, 528 to additional secretary, 41 to grade-1, 72 to joint secretary, and 4 to deputy secretary. Importers ‘hoarding goods’ at Chittagong Port to create artificial crisis Changes Expected in DC Positions Changes are also on the horizon for the DC positions. The government plans to appoint new DCs from the 24th batch of BCS officers. A new list of eligible candidates is being prepared by removing controversial officials, marking a significant shift in the local administration. Bigger Reshuffle in the Works There are reports of a significant reshuffling of officials across various ministries and departments. Vacant secretary positions in several ministries and divisions will be filled by regular officers from within the administration. Officials who held key positions under the previous government will gradually be moved to less significant roles or made OSD. Government’s Official Statement Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman confirmed the ongoing investigation into the DCs who were in charge of the returning officers during the 2024 elections. "We have provided the full list of those involved in the 2024 elections to the intelligence agencies. Based on their findings, those with less than 25 years of service will be made OSD, while those with more than 25 years of service will be forced into retirement," he said. Regarding DCs involved in the 2014 and 2018 elections, Mokhlesur said, "Those who have been made OSD or forced into retirement will face legal action if there are allegations of financial corruption. Others will not. Even after retirement, if there are allegations of corruption, there will be no exceptions. Cases will be filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).” The senior secretary assured that the government would not engage in injustice or biased actions. “If any officer involved in the elections during the Awami League's time is proven guilty, the advisory committee will decide on their matter. Decisions regarding OSD and forced retirement will be based on their crimes. However, the government will not engage in injustice against anyone,” he said.

Clashes broke out between police and a group of students from Prime Asia University at the main gate of Bangladesh's Secretariat on Tuesday. Witnesses reported that the students were involved in a standoff with police, though the reason behind their protest remains unclear.F ans clash, vandalise BPL ticket booths failing to secure tickets Earlier, a four-member delegation from the university had entered the Secretariat building to meet the Education Adviser. They were scheduled to meet the adviser at 4:30 pm. "Outside, however, a larger group of students, who had been waiting, became involved in a verbal altercation with the police," said an official. Clash on Ijtema ground: Saad’s follower placed on 2-day remand The situation quickly escalated into a clash when the police used batons. They also fired two rounds of blank shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

Trainee Sub-Inspectors (SI) of the 40th Cadet Batch of the police have staged a sit-in in front of the Secretariat, demanding their reinstatement to ongoing training after being discharged due to alleged misconduct. The protests took place early Sunday morning at the west gate of the Secretariat. Protestors carried placards with various slogans, including “In the land of red and green, there’s no place for discrimination,” “Why should we be a burden when our mission is to serve the country?” “365 days without pay, return our jobs,” “We demand reinstatement immediately,” and “Our sole demand is quick reinstatement.” Martyred families exempted from giving proof of returns for savings certificates The authorities dismissed 321 SIs in four phases for alleged misconduct both in the field and during classes. The dismissed trainees have termed the allegations as absurd, claiming there was no disorder at the academy. They claimed that checking the academy's CCTV footage would provide proof of their claims. The trainee SIs also said they have been victims of discrimination. A trainee SI said they were not present at the academy on the day the show-cause letter was issued, as they were on leave. Renovation of burnt secretariat building to end in 10-12 days: Secretary Another trainee shared the emotional toll of the situation, saying, “We come from lower-middle-class families. Our families sacrificed so much for us to secure this job, yet today we are dismissed. The pain is indescribable.” They said they had submitted memorandums to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and other relevant departments, but have yet to receive any response. They said will hold a brief press conference after their sit-in, where they would provide further details.

The Building No. 7 of the Secretariat, which was gutted by a devastating fire last week, can be repaired and made usable, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Sub-Assistant Engineer of the Public Works Department has said. "We responded promptly after the fire broke out on Wednesday. Our team was on-site without delay, and we provided maximum support to the Fire Service from the Public Works Department," he told reporters  on the Secretariat premises on Monday. The four-story building housed six ministries, with 40 to 50 rooms on each floor, he said, adding that four floors were damaged, with some parts completely burned while others sustained partial damage. Secretariat fire: Activities of 6 ministries continue at several govt offices When asked whether the building could be used again, he said, “Several high-level teams have conducted investigations so far. Future actions will depend on the recommendations from expert committees. However, preliminary observations suggest the building can be repaired.” He added that the building has not yet been handed over to the Public Works Department by the law enforcement agencies. “Once the damage assessment report is provided, we’ll have a clearer idea of how long the repair process will take,” he said. Journalists to be allowed to enter secretariat with temporary passes from Monday

Activities of six ministries including the Finance Ministry have been going on temporarily at several government establishments in Dhaka following the massive fire at the Secretariat. The activities of the ministries of Road, Transport and Bridges, Post and Telecommunication, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperative are going on at Railway Bhaban on Abdul Gani Road, GPO Bhaban, South City Corporation Bhaban in Phulbaria respectively, said sources at the ministries. Moreover, the ministries of Youth and Sports, Labour and Employment and Finance are carrying out their activities at National Sports Council, Labour Bhaban and Finance Adviser’s office respectively. The Building No-7 of the Secretariat  caught fire on December 26 and offices, equipment, files, documents and furniture were badly damaged. Read: Secretariat fire sabotage or accident still not known: Fire service DG The fire destroyed vital documents of five key ministries. Two committees were formed to assess the damages to the Labour and Employment Ministry’s documents . One of the probe bodies is scheduled to submit an initial report to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (Monday).