Govt employees extend pay‑scale protest

The Bangladesh Government Employees’ Demand Realisation Unity Council has extended its program over the demand for a new pay scale, the group said in a statement signed by President Md Waresh Ali and Member Secretary Md Mahmudul Hasan on Tuesday, 3 February.

The statement said employees had observed three days of two‑hour sit‑ins and protest rallies in front of their respective offices, seeking publication of a discrimination‑free Ninth Pay Scale gazette and implementation from 1 January 2026. The council thanked employees for participating.

Leaders said they have been campaigning for a pay scale for a long time and that the government formed a pay commission, whose report is now with the government. They alleged delays in publishing the gazette and said their sit‑in and protest program would continue until it is issued. They also urged those who have not yet expressed support to do so.

The statement called on officials at all levels to join the demand and said the program has been extended to Thursday, 5 February, from 9am to 1pm because no effective decision has yet come from the government. It said that if the government does not accept the demand within that time, employees nationwide will hold a hunger march and a foot march on 6 February from the Central Shaheed Minar toward the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna.

The leaders said they have consistently supported peaceful protest and had expected the current administration to deliver a discrimination‑free pay scale, but delays have unsettled employees. They said continued neglect and dismissive attitudes have intensified grievances and described the pay scale as a basic right that has required years of mobilization.

They added that if the government issues the gazette before 6 February, they will hold a victory procession on the 6th. If the gazette is not issued, they warned the planned hunger march could turn into a mourning procession and be followed by tougher programs.