Staff Correspondent

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a stern warning to public servants, reminding them of their obligation to adhere to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979 and the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

The circular, issued on the final day of the year 2024, highlighted a growing trend of demonstrations, sit-ins, strikes and other protest activities by public servants that tarnish their image and contravene established regulations.

The ministry cautioned that violators would face disciplinary action for misconduct under these rules.

Escalating Breaches Since October

The issue first surfaced on October 5 when 25 cadre officials, under the banner of the Inter-Cadre Disparity Resolution Council, publicly rejected the Public Administration Reform Commission (PARC).

Their actions amounted to public dissent against government decisions, violating Section 30(a) of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979.

This defiance escalated on October 19 when the council held a meeting at Dhaka's Tula Bhaban, further solidifying their opposition to the commission.

By November 16, the council convened a divisional conference in Rajshahi, where they branded the commission as biased and demanded its reconstitution.

The movement gained momentum following a pivotal announcement on December 17 by PARC Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury.

He proposed excluding the education and health cadres from the cadre system and recommended a 50-50 promotion ratio to the post of deputy secretary between administration cadre officers and other cadre officials.

A Turning Point

This announcement triggered widespread unrest among public servants.

On December 21, officials from 25 cadres declared a protest movement—an unprecedented act for government employees.

The next day, administration cadre officials gathered at the Secretariat to submit their demands to the senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration. Meanwhile, heated debates and counter-statements erupted on social media.

In a dramatic move, officials from the 25 cadres formed a new organisation, the Association of Senior Pool Service, on 22 December, excluding administration cadre members. This act heightened inter-cadre tensions.

The following day, the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Health Cadre Association rejected recommendations to abolish the Health Cadre, issuing a veiled threat that no cadre would exist if the Health Cadre were dissolved.

A Series of Unprecedented Protests

On 24 December, officials from 25 cadres observed a pen-down strike for one hour.

The next day, administration cadre officials organised a protest meeting at the BIAM Foundation under the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS Administration Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

Speakers at the meeting included serving and retired officials, with some demanding the resignation of Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury within 48 hours.

On the same day, officials from 25 cadres staged human chains across the country, marking a historic escalation of protest activities by public servants.

Implications and Expert Opinions

The ongoing violations of conduct rules by public servants, including administration cadre officials, represent a worrying breakdown of discipline within the government.

Experts warn that if this trend continues, it could destabilise administrative order and degrade the quality of public services. They urge the government to address the issue with urgency to restore discipline and safeguard public sector efficiency.