Secretariat employees suspended their protest in the afternoon (Tuesday) 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, was halted after authorities pledged to form a secretarial committee to re-evaluate the ordinance.
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.
Land secretary holding talks with protest leaders at Secretariat
Senior secretary of the Ministry of Land, ASM Saleh Ahmed, is holding a meeting with leaders of protesting government employees, who are demanding the scrapping of recent amendments to the Public Service Act that allow easier dismissal for misconduct.
Five other secretaries are also attending the meeting, which started at around 2:40pm, along with representatives from the employees' organisations involved in the ongoing protest.
The Ministry of Land stated that journalists would be briefed once the meeting concludes.
According to sources, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid convened an emergency meeting with several top officials at the Secretariat earlier today.
During that meeting, it was decided that a committee would be formed to review the government service ordinance.
The meeting also discussed ways to persuade the protesting employees to withdraw their demonstration.
Speaking to reporters, Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council President Badiul Kabir said, "If the discussion with the secretaries is fruitful, we will withdraw our protest programme."
He also serves as co-chairman of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers-Employees Unity Forum, a body formed yesterday bringing together all officers' and employees' organisations at the Secretariat to continue the movement.
