Government employees in Bangladesh have expressed growing frustration over delays in implementing a revised national pay structure, citing rising living costs and continued financial strain. The Bangladesh Government Employees Welfare Association Central Convening Committee has urged authorities to finalise and implement the recommendations of the proposed National Pay Commission 2025 before the upcoming national budget is presented.
In a formal appeal signed on Tuesday (12 May) by convenor Abdul Malek and member secretary Ashiqur Islam, the organisation stated that the absence of a new pay scale, combined with persistent inflation, has created widespread dissatisfaction and financial hardship among public sector workers.
According to the statement, more than a decade has passed since the introduction of the Eighth National Pay Scale in 2015, yet the proposed Ninth Pay Scale has not been implemented. During this period, the cost of essential goods, housing rent, utility bills, and medical expenses has increased significantly, placing severe pressure on lower-grade employees in particular.
The association further noted that many employees are now increasingly dependent on bank loans and provident fund withdrawals to manage daily expenses. It also expressed concern that ongoing public discussions and media speculation regarding the new pay structure have raised expectations, while the lack of official clarity from the government has deepened anxiety among workers.
The appeal emphasised that although the 2015 pay structure was intended to adjust salaries in line with inflation, the intended balance has not been effectively achieved in practice. As a result, real income levels have reportedly failed to keep pace with living costs, reducing overall purchasing power and contributing to financial instability among public servants.
The organisation also stressed that government employees across key sectors—including administration, education, healthcare, and law enforcement—are continuing to perform essential duties with dedication. However, it argued that the current salary framework is no longer sufficient to sustain a reasonable standard of living.
The group has therefore called on the authorities to ensure adequate budgetary allocation in the upcoming fiscal plan and to publish the final recommendations of the National Pay Commission 2025 before the budget session begins. According to the appeal, timely action is necessary to restore morale, ensure administrative efficiency, and address growing economic pressures within the public sector workforce.
Key Issues Raised
| Issue | Details Provided by Association |
|---|---|
| Delay in new pay scale | Ninth Pay Scale not implemented since 2015 revision |
| Rising living costs | Sharp increase in food, housing, utilities, and healthcare expenses |
| Financial coping methods | Growing reliance on bank loans and provident fund withdrawals |
| Sector impact | Employees in administration, education, health, and security affected |
| Main demand | Finalisation of National Pay Commission 2025 report before budget |
The association concluded that without urgent reform, the widening gap between income and living costs could further undermine employee welfare and institutional efficiency across public services under the Bangladesh Government.