Premises of Bangladesh Secretariat turned into a center of protests on Monday as officers and employees demonstrated against the newly issued 'Government Job (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025', calling it a 'black law'. 

The ordinance was issued by the government on Sunday (May 25) night, following its final approval in the Advisory Council meeting on May 22.

The protesters have warned of tough action, including taking three days’ leave, if the ordinance is not withdrawn by today.

According to reports, officials from second and third grade, along with administrative officers, joined the protest. 

As part of the protest, employees took position in front of all gates of the Secretariat, keeping the entry and exit points closed.

At around 12:30 pm on Monday, after staging protests across the Secretariat, employees and officers gathered at the main gates. Law enforcement authorities then closed gates 1, 2, and 4. Gate 3 was forcefully closed by the protestors themselves. The protest intensified as more employees joined in.

Earlier in the morning, around 11 am, a protest procession began in front of Building 6 led by Md Badiul Kabir and Nizam Uddin Ahmed, president and general secretary of the Secretariat Officers-Employees Coordinated Council. Later, another group led by Md Nurul Islam and Mujahidul Islam joined the demonstration.

The ordinance includes a controversial provision allowing dismissal from service without departmental proceedings in four types of disciplinary breaches, only with a show-cause notice. 

This includes disrupting discipline, obstructing duty, being absent without leave, and inciting others to neglect duty — all without allowing the accused any chance to defend themselves.

Protesters expressed anger over the amendment, which they believe violates job security and fair treatment, stressing that they will not accept the law in its current form.

MSK/