Doubts Loom Over New Pay Scale Implementation Under Interim Govt

The Pay Commission is in the final stages of preparing recommendations for a new salary structure for government employees, but doubts persist about its implementation during the interim government's tenure. With national elections slated for early February 2026, experts fear the scale may be deferred to the next elected administration.

The commission completed consultations with associations on October 30 and is analyzing proposals amid economic constraints. Commission Chairman and former Finance Secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan told The Daily Campus, "Activities are progressing rapidly. We hope to submit recommendations within the timeline."

A commission member, speaking anonymously, said their mandate ends with suggestions—implementation lies with the government.

Political Science Professor Md. Ainul Islam of Dhaka University told The Daily Campus, "Even if the commission submits proposals, political strategy may play a role. The government could discuss and push responsibility to the next elected govt, saying, 'This will be implemented by the future administration.' With limited time, such a decision could emerge at the last moment."

He added, "If elections are in February, the commission's term ends February 14. Everyone has strategies—the government and political parties. Discussions could drag until elections, shifting focus. The burden may fall on the elected government."

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed earlier said the interim government aims to implement the scale. If recommendations arrive in December or January, quick rollout is possible.

Professor Islam noted the government faces dual pressures: elections and employee demands. "They've said the commission will recommend within six months, and the finance adviser promised implementation next year. With election chaos from mid-December—schedule, roadmap, execution—attention on pay scale may wane."

He warned of budget cuts in development to fund hikes, but public resistance to reduced projects. "Bangladesh wants rapid development and higher salaries. Balancing both is the challenge."

Sources say the new scale could double salaries, costing an extra Tk 80,000 crore annually. At 90% increase, Tk 70–75,000 crore; 80% Tk 65–70,000 crore. The 2024–25 fiscal allocated Tk 82,977 crore for salaries, spending Tk 70,000 crore. 2025–26 has Tk 84,684 crore, including increments.

Employees have agitated for years over delayed scales. Unions now push for enhanced benefits.