9th Pay Scale to be Implemented in Phases: Basic Salary to Increase First

The reconstituted committee tasked with reviewing the recommendations of the three major salary commissions has suggested a phased implementation of the 9th National Pay Scale for government employees. According to the committee’s proposal, the first phase will prioritize an increase in basic salary to help employees cope with the rising cost of living.

Following the political transition on August 5, 2024, the interim government formed a new Pay Commission. This commission submitted its recommendations prior to the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On April 21, 2026, the government reconstituted the committee to finalize these recommendations, and a policy decision has reportedly been made to keep a special allocation in the upcoming FY 2026-27 budget.

Sources within the Ministry of Finance indicate that the committee suggested a step-by-step approach to manage the fiscal pressure on the national economy. In the first phase, there is a plan to implement a primary increase in the basic salary of government employees. The second phase will focus on a restructuring and increase of various allowances, including medical, conveyance, and tiffin allowances.

"We are currently reviewing the Secretary Committee's recommendations," a high-ranking Ministry of Finance official stated on condition of anonymity. "While the matter is not yet finalized, the policy direction from the higher levels of government suggests a phased rollout starting with the basic pay."

The proposed 9th Pay Scale aims to narrow the gap between the highest and lowest-paid employees. The commission has recommended a minimum basic salary of BDT 20,000 and a maximum of BDT 1,60,000, establishing a ratio of 1:8. This is a significant shift from the 1:9.4 ratio of the 2015 scale and the 1:15.4 ratio of 1973, making it the lowest disparity ratio in the country’s history.

Under the new proposal, a 20th-grade employee currently earning a basic of BDT 8,250 and a total of BDT 16,950 (including house rent and other benefits) would see their total take-home pay rise to BDT 41,908. While allowances from the 19th grade up to the 1st grade will also increase, the percentage of growth will be lower to ensure equity and reasonable distribution.

Specific benefits such as transport, tiffin, washing, and risk allowances—primarily enjoyed by employees in the 10th to 20th grades—will see adjustments. However, the car monetization allowance applicable to the 5th grade and above has not been factored into these specific percentage increases. The committee also recommended that the existing 10% and 15% special allowances be adjusted according to standard rules once the new scale takes effect.

It has been 11 years since the 8th Pay Scale was announced in 2015. With the submission of these new recommendations, millions of government officials and employees are now looking toward the 2026-27 budget for the formal implementation of the long-awaited 9th Pay Scale.