The National Pay Commission has formally recommended a sweeping revision of the pay structure for government employees, signalling potentially significant improvements in income and benefits across all levels of the civil service. According to the Commission’s proposal, the minimum basic salary would be set at BDT 20,000, while the maximum could reach BDT 160,000. The new framework not only doubles basic salaries in some cases but also maintains allowances and other benefits at levels comparable to the current system.
Sources within the Commission indicate that the existing 20-grade pay system has been retained, with adjustments applied to create a more equitable and motivating scale. Under the proposed scheme, an employee in the 20th grade would receive a basic salary of BDT 20,000. For staff residing in Dhaka, total monthly remuneration—including allowances—could reach approximately BDT 42,000. At the top end of the scale, the highest grade would carry a basic salary of BDT 160,000. By comparison, the current basic salaries for secretaries, senior secretaries, and Cabinet or Prime Minister’s Chief Secretaries are capped at BDT 78,000, 82,000, and 86,000, respectively, indicating a substantial proposed increase.
The Commission has also suggested revisions to allowances. The traditional Boishakhi allowance could be raised from 20% to 50%. In addition, travel allowances are recommended to be extended to employees in grades 10 through 20, up from the current coverage of grades 11 to 20.
Pensioners stand to benefit significantly under the proposed system. Individuals currently receiving pensions below BDT 20,000 could see an increase approaching 100%, while those with pensions between BDT 20,000 and 40,000 may receive a 75% boost. Pensioners earning above BDT 40,000 are expected to see an increase of around 55%.
The head of the Pay Commission and former Finance Secretary, Zakir Ahmed Khan, stated that the report is being submitted to the Chief Advisor. “The proposed pay structure represents a positive development for government employees,” he said.
Currently, approximately 1.5 million civil servants receive salaries and allowances based on the 2015 pay scale. Analysts predict that the implementation of the new scale could markedly enhance both earnings and quality of life, with positive ripple effects on the broader economy and social welfare.
Summary of Proposed New Pay Scale:
| Grade | Current Basic Salary (BDT) | Proposed Basic Salary (BDT) | Estimated Total Salary (BDT) | Boishakhi Allowance (%) | Travel Allowance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20th | 10,500 | 20,000 | 42,000 | 50 | Included |
| 10th | 35,000 | 70,000 | 120,000 | 50 | Included |
| Highest | 86,000 | 160,000 | 160,000 | 50 | Included |
Experts argue that the proposed pay scale could serve as a major incentive for civil servants, improving morale and performance while contributing positively to national economic development and social stability.