Government employees have threatened severe repercussions if the dearness allowance is withdrawn

Government employees have threatened severe repercussions if the dearness allowance is withdrawn. Government employees in grades 11 to 20 have protested the decision to cancel the dearness allowance. They have warned of strict action, including work stoppages, if such a decision is implemented.

Government employees have:  Speakers issued this warning during a protest program organized by the Government Employees’ Forum in front of the National Press Club on Saturday (January 25).

The forum announced that if the assurance of providing the dearness allowance is not given by January 31, a grand assembly will be held at the Central Shaheed Minar on February 7.

During the protest, speakers demanded the immediate formation of a pay commission to introduce an equitable 9th pay scale. They also urged for the continuation of annual salary increments for employees who have reached the final step of the pay scale.

Speakers noted that after seven years of agitation for an equitable pay scale, the government formed a committee to address disparities and provide dearness allowances, offering a glimmer of hope for employees. However, some so-called elites are opposing the move, as if increasing salaries for government employees is the root of all problems in the country. These individuals disregard the hardships faced by low-paid employees and compare their salaries to the benefits of deputy secretaries, speaking against the workers.

The General Secretary and Coordinator of the Government Employees’ Forum for grades 11 to 20, Md. Mahmudul Hasan, said, “We learned through newspapers that the dearness allowance might no longer be provided. If such a step is taken, we will announce strict programs. If necessary, work stoppages will be declared nationwide.”

The protest program was chaired by the forum’s President, Lutfor Rahman. Other attendees included Development Council President Ziaul Haque, Vice President Ashfaqul Ashekin, Vice President of the 11-20 Forum Mohammad Ali, Finance Secretary Tariqul Islam, Joint Secretary Anisur Rahman, Md. Shah Alam, Dhaka Division General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman, Senior Vice President Robiul Islam Shohag, Metropolitan Joint Convener Monir Hossain, Kefaet Hossain Shohag, and Vice President Fazlur Rahman.

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