Secretariat Protest Halted Following Pledge to Review Public Service Ordinance

Secretariat Employees Suspend Protest After Government Agrees to Review Public Service Ordinance

May 27, 2025 - 17:08
 0
Secretariat Protest Halted Following Pledge to Review Public Service Ordinance
Secretariat Protest Halted Following Pledge to Review Public Service Ordinance

The demonstration, held from 10:00am to 12:30pm today, was suspended after authorities assured protesters that a secretarial committee would be formed to review the ordinance. Protest leaders told The Daily Star that the committee is expected to meet with them later in the day, after which they will determine their next steps.

Following the suspension of the protest, journalists—who had earlier been denied access—were allowed entry into the Secretariat. Media personnel from multiple outlets had reportedly been blocked earlier due to the demonstration, despite no official directive restricting their access.

Today marks the fourth consecutive day of protests by Secretariat employees, who are demanding the withdrawal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.

The ordinance, approved in draft form by the Advisory Council last Thursday and enacted on Sunday night, enables strict disciplinary action—without prior investigation—against employees accused of disrupting official work. It allows for penalties through two successive 14-day notices. Protesters have denounced the ordinance as repressive and are calling for its immediate repeal.

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