Staff Correspondent

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a stern warning to civil servants, including administration cadre officials, against engaging in undisciplined activities amid ongoing protests over promotions to the rank of deputy secretary.

The ministry cautioned in a notification issued on Tuesday that breaches could result in disciplinary action under relevant laws.

“Government employees play a critical role in providing public services and ensuring the smooth functioning of administrative activities. The success of public administration depends on disciplined, responsible, and professional conduct by government employees. However, recent protests, including sit-ins, human chains, and strikes, have tarnished their reputation,” the notification read.

It also noted instances of adverse comments and statements on social media regarding government decisions and reforms, labelling such actions as violations of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979.

The notification emphasised Rule 30 of the conduct rules, which prohibits:

Public objection to or obstruction of government decisions or orders, or incitement of others to do so. Expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance in public about government decisions or inciting others to protest.

Exerting undue influence or pressure to alter, modify, or cancel decisions. Creating or inciting discontent, misunderstanding, or hostility among government employees. The ministry clarified that any violation of these rules would be considered misconduct under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, and could lead to disciplinary measures. The protests began after the Public Administration Reform Commission proposed reducing the administration cadre’s quota for deputy secretary promotions from 75 percent to 50 percent, allocating the other 50 percent to officials from other cadres.

On Dec 17, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, head of the commission, said: “We will recommend a 50 percent quota for administration cadre and 50 percent for all other cadres for deputy secretary promotions.”

Currently, 75 percent of deputy secretary posts are reserved for administration cadre officials, while 25 percent are allocated to other cadres.

In response, officials from 25 other cadres announced a one-hour pen-down strike in all offices, demanding merit-based promotions and the establishment of ministry-specific professional services.

The Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, representing administration cadre officials, protested the recommendation in a statement on Dec 25.

At present, there are 26 cadre services in Bangladesh.

Historically, the 1975 Service Act allowed for merit-based promotions, later amended to include quotas prioritising administration cadre officials.

Protests under the banner of the "Bangladesh Secretariat Officers-Employees United Council" have also called for a grand rally on Nov 28, demanding nine-point reforms, including the removal of a joint secretary.