Secretariat employees have suspended their protest this afternoon following an assurance from the government to review the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The demonstration, which took place from 10:00am to 12:30pm today, was halted after authorities pledged to form a secretarial committee to re-evaluate the ordinance.
Several protest leaders told The Daily Star that the committee is scheduled to meet with them later today, after which further action will be decided. Journalists, who had earlier been denied entry, were allowed access to the Secretariat this afternoon after the protest was paused.
Media personnel from various outlets were reportedly blocked from entering due to the demonstration, despite no prior instructions barring their access. Today is the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations by Secretariat employees, who have been demanding the withdrawal of the ordinance.
The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was approved in draft form by the Advisory Council last Thursday and came into effect on Sunday night. The ordinance includes provisions allowing for strict disciplinary action — without investigation — against employees who allegedly disrupt official work. It permits punitive measures through two consecutive 14-day notices.
Employees have termed the ordinance repressive and are calling for its immediate withdrawal.