The publication of the gazette for Bangladesh’s ninth national pay scale has been delayed despite the beginning of the new financial year, prompting widespread discussion among government employees. However, officials familiar with the process have said the delay is not due to any policy-level disagreement, but rather the result of ongoing administrative, financial and legal assessments required before final approval.
Sources at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Administration said the government is reviewing several aspects of the proposed pay structure instead of implementing the previous recommendations in their original form. The review has been prompted by the country’s current economic situation, including pressure on revenue collection, budgetary constraints, debt repayment obligations and persistent inflationary challenges.
Officials said the government remains committed to making the ninth pay scale effective from 1 July. Once the final gazette is issued, salary adjustments and related financial benefits are expected to be calculated from that date. However, the timing of the gazette depends on completing all necessary procedures and reaching a financially sustainable structure.
Discussions are currently underway on possible changes to basic salaries, housing allowances, medical benefits, transport allowances and other facilities across different grades. The government is reportedly examining ways to balance the expectations of public servants with its overall fiscal capacity.
According to officials involved in the process, one proposal under consideration is implementing the new pay scale in up to three phases over two financial years. Under this possible arrangement, the revised basic salary structure could come into effect in the current financial year, while housing allowances may be introduced from the beginning of the next financial year. Other allowances could then be implemented during the second half of that year.
The issue of ensuring a fairer distribution of benefits among different categories of employees is also being reviewed. Members of the secretary-level committee are reportedly considering a proposal that would provide relatively higher increases for employees in grades 11 to 20, while limiting the increase rate for officials in grades 1 to 10. Earlier recommendations had suggested salary and allowance increases ranging from 100 per cent to 142 per cent, but officials believe implementing the full proposal may not be possible under current economic conditions.
Officials involved in the review process said technical challenges are also contributing to the delay. Updating payroll software, adjusting accounting systems, recalculating pensions and ensuring smooth salary integration across government departments require careful preparation. The reconstituted secretary committee is working on solutions to simplify these implementation challenges.
The fifth meeting of the reconstituted secretary committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, was held at the Secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, members decided that the pay scale process should move forward through proper administrative and legal procedures rather than being rushed.
A senior official who attended the meeting said the pay scale would create a long-term financial commitment for the government. Therefore, every recommendation must be examined in terms of financial impact, administrative feasibility and legal requirements before a final decision is made.
The official added that the secretary committee may submit its final recommendations to the Cabinet Division by the end of July. Before that, at least two more meetings are expected to be held to review opinions from different ministries, assess government affordability and finalise the implementation strategy.
After the committee submits its recommendations, the proposal will be placed before the Cabinet. The process will then require approval from the Prime Minister, legal vetting by the Law Ministry and the final publication of the official gazette before the ninth pay scale becomes fully operational.
The delay, officials said, reflects the government’s attempt to ensure that the new salary structure is both beneficial for employees and financially manageable for the state.
Comments