Security has been tightened around the Bangladesh Secretariat as government employees continue demonstrations demanding the immediate repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025.
Since early Tuesday morning, only government officials and employees have been allowed entry into the Secretariat.
Even accredited journalists have been barred, despite no official ban on media access.
Law enforcement personnel at the gates said a decision on media entry would be made after noon.
Additional contingents of police, SWAT, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar have been deployed at all Secretariat entrances.
Armed officers were seen stationed at Gate No. 1 and Gate No. 2, with police holding batons as a show of force.
The Home Ministry issued a directive on Monday night prohibiting the entry of visitors to the Secretariat on Tuesday, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” As a result, all external visitors have been turned away since the morning.
The protest, spearheaded by the Secretariat Officers-Employees Joint Council, began last Thursday after the Advisory Council approved the draft of the controversial ordinance.
Demonstrators have staged sit-ins and rallies inside the Secretariat premises, demanding its withdrawal.
On Monday afternoon, protest leaders announced that the agitation would continue under a unified platform named the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers-Employees Unity Forum, combining all government staff organizations under a single banner.
They also urged public sector workers across the country to join in solidarity.
The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 amends the Government Service Act 2018, allowing for dismissal of public servants without a formal departmental inquiry for certain disciplinary violations.
Critics argue that the ordinance severely restricts the right of government employees to protest or voice dissent.
A newly added section under "Special Provisions Regarding Conduct and Punishment" enables authorities to dismiss staff for activities deemed disruptive, such as instigating others to abstain from work or obstructing colleagues from performing duties.
Protesters say the provisions are draconian and suppress fundamental rights of civil servants.
Meanwhile, a separate rally has been announced by the 'July Revolutionary Students-People', who gathered outside the Osmani Memorial Auditorium near the Secretariat.
The group is demanding the removal of what they call "anti-reform bureaucrats" and justice for “fascist collaborators.”
Their mass meeting began at 11:30 am, with participants arriving steadily and making speeches via loudspeaker.
SMS/
