Secretariat Employees Demand Immediate Pay-Scale Reform, Threaten Escalated Protests from 10 January

A faction of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council has declared that they will embark on tough protest actions in January if the government fails to publish the notification for the Ninth National Pay Commission before the end of December. The warning was issued in a formal memorandum sent on Wednesday (3 December) by the council’s Secretary General, Nizam Uddin Ahmed, to the Economic Adviser.

The memorandum underscores that public-sector workers had long anticipated significant reforms following the establishment of the National Pay Commission 2025. Formed by the interim administration, the commission was expected to address salary disparities, inflationary pressures, and structural flaws in the existing pay system. Yet, the council claims that instead of moving towards a decisive conclusion, the process has stalled, leading to renewed uncertainty among employees.

One of the council’s key arguments is that the current 20-grade salary system is outdated and does not reflect present-day needs or economic realities. They are calling for the structure to be reduced to 10 comprehensive tiers, with a 1:4 ratio used for determining the revised pay. According to the memorandum, such a reform would help eliminate entrenched wage inequality and modernise the system in line with global standards. The council maintains that a significant number of lower-grade employees are now living in dire circumstances, as rising food and living costs have far outpaced their stagnant wages.

The letter notes that the delay in finalising the pay commission’s recommendations is fuelling discontent among government workers. Many employees expected a swift transition to the new pay framework but now feel increasingly demoralised. The memorandum highlights that the burden of inflation, along with the rising cost of essential services, has left many civil servants struggling to support their families.

Three demands were specifically emphasised:

Approval of a Secretariat Allowance,

Immediate implementation of the Ninth Pay Scale, and

Introduction of a Secretariat Ration Allowance, aimed at supporting employees most affected by price hikes.

The council issued a clear ultimatum: the pay-scale notification must be released by December, and the official gazette must be issued by 1 January. Failure to meet these deadlines will lead to “strict programmes” commencing on 10 January. Although the nature of these programmes has not been specified, leaders have indicated they may include continuous demonstrations, extended sit-ins, work stoppages, or other pressure tactics within key administrative offices.

The memorandum calls for urgent intervention from the Economic Adviser, arguing that a rapid decision is essential to prevent further erosion of morale within the civil service. The council stressed that employees are the backbone of government functions, and continued uncertainty over their pay threatens both administrative stability and public service delivery.

As economic pressures intensify across the country, the council believes there is no justification for delaying reforms that directly affect the welfare of thousands of government employees. They urged the authorities to act promptly, warning that prolonged inaction will only amplify discontent and force employees to escalate their movement in the weeks ahead.