Stalemate at Secretariat Persists as Protests Reach Fourth Day
Journalists Denied Access to Premises
Government employees continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance-2025. The ongoing demonstrations brought administrative work at the Secretariat to a standstill, with visitors denied entry.
The protest began around 11:00 am near Building No-6 in the Badamtoli area of the Secretariat, amid heightened security at all entrances. Journalists were also blocked from accessing the premises. As of 12:10 pm, the demonstration was still underway.
Protesters labeled the ordinance a "black law," rejecting its legitimacy through continued slogans and calls for wider participation. They urged fellow government employees who had not yet joined to take part in the movement.
Chants from the protest included: “The fire has been lit in our blood,” “Abolish the unlawful black law,” “Employees reject this illegal law,” “We will not accept it,” “Unite 18 lakh workers,” and “No compromise, only struggle.”
In anticipation of the fourth day of unrest, the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry barred all types of visitor entry to the Secretariat on Tuesday. Additionally, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) imposed restrictions on rallies and public gatherings in and around the area.
The ordinance, issued by the President on Sunday evening, empowers the government to terminate employees for four categories of disciplinary misconduct through a show-cause notice—without initiating formal departmental proceedings.
Following the Council of Advisers’ approval of the draft on May 22, Secretariat employees launched their protest, branding the law as unjust and unconstitutional. On Sunday, all employee organisations at the Secretariat pledged to continue their movement until the ordinance is repealed.
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