The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has issued a strict directive mandating that all government officers and employees report to their offices on time. The order, signed today, Monday, by Senior Secretary (Administration) Kamrul Hasan, emphasises adherence to official working hours and the disciplinary framework set out under existing regulations.
The office order specifically references the Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019, reminding all personnel that the following actions are considered serious breaches of office discipline and are subject to sanction:
Absence from duty without prior permission
Leaving the office without authorisation
Late arrival at the workplace
Consequently, all officers and employees are required to be present at their respective offices by 9:00 am on every working day. Furthermore, leaving the office before official closing hours is strictly prohibited, with exceptions only during the holy month of Ramadan when the office closes at 3:30 pm, and at 5:00 pm during the remainder of the year.
Procedures for Office Departure
The order outlines the proper procedure for officers needing to leave the office during working hours due to official duties or emergencies:
Obtain prior approval from the head of the sub-division (Joint Secretary or Solicitor).
Record the departure in the Office Departure Register, maintained in each department.
Update the digital attendance system to reflect the departure.
Any officer or employee who fails to comply with these regulations—by being absent without permission, leaving the office prematurely, or arriving late—will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019, and the Government Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.
Summary of Attendance and Leave Rules
| Rule | Requirement | Applicable Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning arrival | All personnel must be present by 9:00 am | Every working day |
| Office departure | No leave before official closing | 3:30 pm during Ramadan; 5:00 pm otherwise |
| Emergency leave | Prior approval required | Any time during office hours |
| Record-keeping | Entry in Office Departure Register & digital attendance | Mandatory for every office exit |
The Ministry’s directive underlines the importance of maintaining discipline, punctuality, and accountability within the civil service. Officials are expected to strictly observe these regulations to ensure uninterrupted government operations and uphold the efficiency of public administration.
This latest order reinforces the government’s commitment to office discipline and serves as a reminder that adherence to working hours is both a responsibility and a legal obligation for all staff.