Public-Sector Employees Announce New Programmes Demanding Pay-Scale Reforms

Bangladesh’s largest public-sector employees’ organisation, the Bangladesh Government Employees’ Coordination Council, has announced a national rally in Dhaka on Saturday, 6 December, and a long march towards the Secretariat in the third week of January, pressing for the implementation of the National Pay Commission’s recommendations along with five key demands.

The programmes were declared on Tuesday, 2 December, during a press conference held at the organisation’s central office on Abdul Gani Road in the capital. The announcement was made by the organisation’s policy council chairman, Nomanuzzaman Azad. As part of the programme, an ultimatum will be issued and memorandums will be submitted to the chief adviser and the finance adviser on 3 December.

The organisation’s secretary-general, Badrul Alam Sabuj, stated that the government must issue the official gazette of the National Pay Commission by 15 December and implement it from 1 January. He added that a National Service Commission must be formed to introduce a uniform recruitment policy similar to that of the Secretariat in order to eliminate administrative and financial disparities, reinstate the timescale, selection grade and full pension system, and ensure the regularisation of all temporary employees. He also demanded the provision of quality rations at fair prices, cancellation of the outsourcing-based recruitment system, revenue sector recruitment for vacant posts, promotion opportunities in block posts, and trade union rights for public employees in all government dপ্তর in accordance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98.

During the event, the organisation’s president, Mohammad Azmi, responded to various questions from journalists. Others present included Md Selim Bhuiyan, Md Rokonuzzaman, Rafiqul Islam Mamun, Zillur Rahman Khan, Ohidur Rahman and Kamal Hossain Shikdar.

Khaborwala/SS