TDS Desk:

Despite repeated warnings and directives from the government, a lack of discipline continues to plague the civil administration, raising concerns over accountability and governance within public service institutions.

The Ministry of Public Administration had earlier issued a directive urging government officials not to participate in activities that violate the civil service code of conduct. Still, unrest persists across the administration.

In response, the government has planned to revive the Dismissed Government Employees (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 1979 to reassert control and discipline.

Civil servants continue to defy warnings by organising protests, human chains, rallies, expressing criticism on social media, and even halting work. Many have also disregarded official regulations.

Although several recommendations have been made following the Public Administration Reform Commission’s report, resentment remains unresolved among various cadres.

Apart from the administration cadre, a coalition of 25 other cadres has launched protests.

The health cadre has also voiced demands for equal treatment.

After the fall of the previous Awami League government, a group of BCS officers formed the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Removal Council to demand, among other things, the abolition of the quota system for promotions to Deputy Secretary.

They also objected to several points in the reform commission’s report.

Key proposals—particularly regarding the promotion quota—have triggered significant unrest.

Officers from different cadres are now openly protesting, often outside their offices, which is against the government service rules.

Amid this turmoil, the Ministry of Home Affairs has written to the Ministry of Public Administration, urging the reinstatement of the 1979 ordinance.

The ministry has already begun the necessary procedures.

Despite the Ministry of Public Administration’s prior warnings, the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Removal Council staged a nationwide work stoppage on 2 March, protesting the suspension of 12 officers and demanding the end of inter-cadre discrimination.

On that day, officials across the country stood outside offices wearing black badges.

Sources say that if the government fails to take meaningful action, officials from the 25 cadres are prepared to intensify their movement.

The Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA), representing administration cadre officers, also staged a protest outside the Ministry of Public Administration.

Hundreds of officials from various batches participated and issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the resignation of Dr Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, the chair of the reform commission.

In response, the government is pushing to bring back the 1979 ordinance. The letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated:

“In the current changed context, government employees are facing psychological pressure and showing signs of instability. Some are defying legal instructions and staying away from their duties, creating serious challenges for the government. As a result, law and order have deteriorated, and the pace of official work has slowed. To ensure accountability and discipline, the reinforcement of the 1979 ordinance is now essential.”

The ordinance was repealed in 2018 when the Government Employees Act was introduced. However, the original law prohibited any action that could create dissatisfaction, disrupt discipline, or obstruct duties. It also allowed for the suspension, dismissal, or demotion of any employee absent without proper reason or for inciting others to do so.

Section 7 of the ordinance states:  “No court shall have jurisdiction to question any action or order taken under any provision of this ordinance.”

Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumdar said “Although this may be considered a black law, it is necessary under the current circumstances to restore order. But the government must ensure that it is not abused.”

He added that while differences in opinion are natural, acting out of personal hostility or disrupting work is unacceptable.

On 1 January, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a separate directive warning officials not to engage in any activities that breach the Government Service (Conduct) Rules.

The notice highlighted concerns over rallies, sit-ins, pen-down strikes, and social media statements that harm the image of the civil service.

THE DIRECTIVE CITED THE RULES: “No government employee shall publicly object to or obstruct the implementation of government decisions, nor incite others to do so. Any such actions will be considered misconduct and subject to disciplinary measures.”

Meanwhile, on 20 March, 196 administration cadre officials were promoted from Deputy Secretary to Joint Secretary. However, out of 320 eligible officers from the 24th BCS batch, only 137 received promotions, leaving 183 disappointed.

On 23 March, over 100 of the deprived officers met with Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid and Senior Secretary Dr Mokhlesur Rahman, submitting a formal appeal for reconsideration. The move further deepened discontent within the civil service.