Gov’t Employees’ Welfare Association Announces Fresh Protest for 9th Pay Scale in April

The Bangladesh Government Officials and Employees’ Welfare Association has announced a new wave of protests starting in the first week of April, demanding the immediate implementation of the 9th National Pay Scale. Abdul Malek, the association's convener, issued a statement today, Tuesday (March 31), urging employees across all districts to participate in the peaceful demonstrations.

In his statement, Abdul Malek criticized the previous administration’s 2015 pay scale policy, labeling it discriminatory. He argued that the cancellation of three time-scales and a selection grade system significantly harmed those in block posts and those deprived of promotions. "The introduction of two higher grades over a 16-year period was nothing but a deceptive tactic," he remarked.

The association pointed out that between 2015 and 2024, the then-government failed to adjust salaries in accordance with the rising cost of living. Although the interim government formed the 9th National Pay Commission following the 2024 mass uprising and prepared recommendations, those proposals have yet to be executed.

"The employees are struggling to keep up with inflation, and the delay in implementing the new pay scale is unacceptable," the statement read. The upcoming protests in early April aim to press the authorities to finalize and implement the recommendations of the Pay Commission without further delay. Detailed schedules for the protests in various districts are expected to be released shortly.