Secretariat Employees Announce One-Hour Daily Work Stoppage

Employees in Bangladesh Secretariat have announced a one-hour daily work stoppage starting Thursday, demanding the repeal of the newly issued Government Job (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. 

The protest will take place from 10 AM to 11 AM every day across the Secretariat and field offices, including divisional commissioners’ and deputy commissioners’ offices.

The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday by the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers-Employees Unity Forum. They warned of further action if their demand is not met by May 31.

Forum Co-Chairman Badiul Kabir labeled the ordinance a "repressive black law" but expressed optimism following initial talks with officials. 

He noted that essential services like healthcare and budget-related work would be minimally disrupted, suggesting a reduced 30-minute work abstention for those involved.

The ordinance was approved last week by the interim advisory council and formally issued on Sunday, sparking widespread protests. 

Over the past four days, employees have staged rallies and demonstrations within the Secretariat, demanding the law’s immediate repeal.

Talks are ongoing, with senior secretaries having relayed the demands to the Cabinet Secretary, who is expected to present the matter to Chief Advisor Prof. Muhammad Yunus. A new course of action will be announced after May 31 if the issue remains unresolved, the agitating leader indicated.