9th Pay Scale: Implementation Likely to Begin July 1

The 9th National Pay Scale for government employees is expected to be implemented in phases starting from July 1, 2026. Sources within the Ministry of Finance have indicated that the first phase, focusing on an increase in basic salary, is likely to be effective from the start of the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year.

The reconstituted committee tasked with evaluating the recommendations of the National Pay Commission, Judicial Service Pay Commission, and Armed Forces Pay Commission recently submitted its findings. Following this assessment, the government has made a policy decision to include a special allocation in the forthcoming national budget to facilitate this transition.

To manage the significant fiscal pressure on the national economy, the committee has recommended a gradual implementation strategy. The first phase will focus on the new basic salary structure, while subsequent phases will involve the gradual increase and restructuring of various allowances, including medical, tiffin, and conveyance benefits.

A high-ranking Ministry of Finance official confirmed that while the Secretary Committee’s recommendations are under final review, the plan remains to prioritize basic pay. Final approval from the highest levels of government is pending, but the administration is moving toward a phased execution to balance employee welfare with economic stability.

The proposed 9th Pay Scale aims to be the most equitable in the country's history by significantly reducing the gap between the highest and lowest grades. The minimum basic salary is proposed at BDT 20,000, up from BDT 8,250, while the maximum is set at BDT 1,60,000.

This establishes a disparity ratio of 1:8, which is a record low compared to the 1:9.4 ratio of the 2015 scale and the 1:15.4 ratio of 1973. For example, a 20th-grade employee in a city corporation area currently earning a total of BDT 16,950 could see their total monthly package rise to BDT 41,908 under the new proposal.

It has been 11 years since the implementation of the 8th Pay Scale in 2015. Following the political change on August 5, 2024, the interim government prioritized the formation of a new Pay Commission.

With the 13th National Parliamentary Elections concluded and a new government in place, the formal gazette and budgetary allocation for the 9th Pay Scale are now the most anticipated updates for the nation's 1.4 million public servants. The proposed scale also suggests that existing 10% and 15% special allowances be adjusted according to standard rules once the new structure takes effect.