Officials Must Arrive by Nine, No Exceptions

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has issued a strict directive mandating all government officials and staff to report to their offices punctually. The order, signed on Monday by the Ministry’s Senior Secretary (Administration), Kamrul Hasan, emphasises adherence to office discipline and compliance with existing regulations.

The directive specifically cites the provisions of the Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019, highlighting that the following behaviours constitute breaches of office discipline and are punishable:

All officials and employees are required to be present at their respective offices by 9:00 am on every working day. Departures from the office before the end of official hours are strictly prohibited. During Ramadan, the office closing time is 3:30 pm, while post-Ramadan, it reverts to 5:00 pm.

The order also outlines procedures for authorised absences. In cases of official or urgent need to leave the office, staff must obtain permission from their subdivision head (Joint Secretary or Solicitor). Upon receiving approval, employees are required to make a corresponding entry in the Office Departure Register, maintained at the relevant office, and update their digital attendance record before leaving.

The Ministry warned that any employee found absent without authorisation, leaving office prematurely, or arriving late will face disciplinary action in accordance with both the Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019 and the Government Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. This action may include warnings, penalties, or other measures deemed appropriate under the law.

Officials familiar with the directive noted that the move aims to strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure that all departments maintain a high standard of punctuality and accountability. By formalising attendance and departure procedures, the Ministry seeks to prevent operational delays and reinforce public service effectiveness.

In addition, the directive highlights that adherence to these rules is not merely procedural but contributes significantly to office productivity, staff responsibility, and overall governance standards. The Ministry has urged all officials and employees to comply fully with the directive and to treat office discipline as a priority for professional integrity and efficient public administration.