Pay scale before election? Finance adviser keeps hopes alive

Government officers and employees have been demanding implementation of a new pay scale before the election. Despite issuing one ultimatum after another on this demand, they have received no response from either the government or the pay commission.

Amid this, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur stated on Friday (January 9) that there is no possibility of announcing a new pay scale before the thirteenth national election. The current interim government will not take any final decision on the matter, and that is logical.

Following this statement, several lakh government officers and employees awaiting the pay scale became newly disappointed. Extensive criticism of the governor’s remarks circulated on social media.

On the issue, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed spoke to The Daily Campus on Saturday. He discussed the government’s plans and current progress regarding the pay scale.

The finance adviser said the governor’s statement has no connection with him. When asked whether the ninth pay scale decision will come during this government’s tenure or whether the government will leave behind a prepared framework, he told The Daily Campus, “Let’s see. A commission has already been formed on this matter, and they are working. The process of formulating the pay scale is ongoing.”

The finance adviser also told this correspondent that he himself will announce the details on whether the interim government will implement the ninth pay scale or prepare a framework.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Government Employees Demand Realisation United Council has announced a symbolic hunger strike programme demanding implementation of the ninth pay scale from the current month of January. They will observe the programme in front of the National Press Club on coming Friday (January 16) from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The decision was taken on Saturday (January 10) afternoon after discussions among leaders of 12 employee organisations and department-based bodies. Later, chief coordinator of the platform Wares Ali announced the programme.

He said the gazette for the ninth pay scale must be published this January. In line with the central programme, symbolic hunger strike will also be observed in front of press clubs in all districts.