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3mo ago

Bangladesh Deploys Paramilitary to Dhaka Secretariat as Civil Servant Protests Persist

Protesters say the new law allows dismissals without proper hearings

Civil officials protest inside the Secretariat building in Dhaka on May 25, 2025, demanding the repeal of a government order giving it greater power to sack employees for disciplinary breaches. Splits between Bangladesh's national tax authority and the interim government over new rules escalated May 25, extending a two week long strike that has reportedly resulted in millions of dollars of taxes go uncollected. (Photo by AFP)
Sheikh Hasina, the newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of Bangladesh Awami League, gspeaks during a meeting with foreign observers and journalists at the Prime Minister's residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh, January 8, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo
Muhammad Yunus, interim head of the Bangladesh government, attends the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
Chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus (right) sits along with army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman. There have been reports of a rift emerging between Bangladesh' government and army.

Overview

  • Thousands of government employees have paralysed operations at the Secretariat for a fourth day, demanding repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025.
  • The ordinance permits dismissal over four categories of disciplinary breaches via show-cause notices, bypassing formal departmental proceedings.
  • Paramilitary units including the BGB, SWAT and RAB, backed by regular police, have sealed off the Secretariat and barred entry to civilians and journalists.
  • Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and other military leaders have reiterated calls for elections by December 2025, deepening rifts with Muhammad Yunus’s interim government.
  • The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Centre for Policy Dialogue have pressed for a specific election date, citing a surge in violent crime in Dhaka.