The recent wave of civil unrest in Bangladesh marks a critical turning point in the nation's political landscape. For the fourth consecutive day, government employees have effectively brought key administrative functions in Dhaka’s Secretariat to a standstill, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. This ordinance has stirred widespread anger because it grants the government authority to dismiss civil servants without the usual formal procedures, which protesters argue violates their constitutional rights.

Background of the Controversial Ordinance

The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 amends the Public Service Act of 2018 by specifying four categories of misconduct that justify dismissal without formal departmental inquiry. The government’s stated goal is to streamline disciplinary processes and reduce delays within the bureaucratic system. However, employees have condemned the ordinance as "repressive" and a "black law", seeing it as a tool for arbitrary and unjust dismissals.

The protestors, organized under the banner of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordination Council, have been staging sit-ins and marches within the Secretariat compound. Their protests have grown louder and more persistent, reflecting deep-seated frustrations not only with this law but also with the broader legitimacy crisis facing the unelected Yunus-led interim government.

Protest Dynamics and Government’s Response

The government has faced an unprecedented standoff as essential government services grind to a halt. The protestors’ unwavering stance forced government representatives to initiate dialogue sessions, aiming to find a resolution to the crisis. On May 27, 2025, officials met with leaders representing the protesting employees to discuss their demands.

The demonstration was temporarily suspended following government assurances to review the ordinance. Meanwhile, the presence of elite SWAT teams and Border Guards outside the Secretariat underscores the tense environment and the government’s concern over maintaining control amid rising unrest.

Broader Political Instability and Military Concerns

The protests have unfolded against a backdrop of intense political turmoil. Since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration led by Yunus, whose authority is widely questioned. The Awami League’s suspension and ban have further polarized the political environment, heightening tensions across the nation.

The Bangladesh Army, a critical actor in this crisis, recently clarified its position amid rumors of discord with the interim government. Brigadier General M Nazim-ud-Daula emphasized that the military is aligned with the government in safeguarding national sovereignty but remains vigilant about sensitive security matters, including the contentious issue of a proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s rebel-held Rakhine state.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and other military leaders have expressed the need for elections by December 2025 to restore an elected government. They have also voiced concerns over major government decisions made without electoral mandates, including potential foreign management of Chattogram Port and the introduction of Starlink satellite internet services by Elon Musk, which the military views as potential risks to national security.

In a recent meeting at Dhaka Cantonment, Gen Zaman expressed frustration over being kept out of strategic decisions, reinforcing the army’s stance that political stability can only come through elections, not through governance by an unelected regime. This stance highlights the broader unease within the country’s security establishment regarding the interim government’s policies.

The Road Ahead

The ongoing protests by civil servants are just one manifestation of Bangladesh’s growing political crisis. The interim government faces increasing pressure from multiple fronts: bureaucratic resistance, political opposition, and a watchful military insisting on a return to democratic governance.

As the government reviews the ordinance and attempts to negotiate with the protesting employees, the situation remains volatile. The presence of armed forces around the Secretariat signals that the authorities are prepared to respond forcefully if protests escalate further. The call for elections by the military underscores the urgency for political resolution to avoid further destabilization.

For now, the protestors have paused their agitation, but the underlying grievances and tensions remain unresolved. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Bangladesh can navigate this turbulent phase toward political stability or descend deeper into unrest.

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