Dhaka: Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today announced that the current administration is committed to establishing a robust framework for the upcoming pay scale for public servants. He emphasized that immediate implementation might not be feasible, but efforts are underway to ensure a clear and consistent system is in place for future phases.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Salehuddin addressed reporters after presiding over meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. He highlighted that the process involves multiple independent commissions and several layers of administrative approval to finalize the new pay scale.
Dr Salehuddin clarified that the Pay Commission operates independently, with no direct government involvement in its recommendations. "The work of the Pay Commission is highly complex and independent. There is no government role in determining its recommendations. There is a separate Civil Pay Commission and another for the Armed Forces. Once the three reports are submitted, they will have to be reconciled to ensure consistency before any implementation can begin," he explained.
He noted that the reconciliation process is time-consuming as it must pass through various stages of scrutiny and review. After receiving the reports, the government will need to reconcile and review them. Then the recommendations will be examined by the secretary-level committee, followed by the Ministry of Public Administration (MoPA) and the Finance Division. Only after these steps can implementation be considered.
Dr Salehuddin acknowledged that completing all these procedures within the current government's tenure may not be possible. "That's why I said there is some uncertainty. However, we are trying to leave behind a complete framework and setup so that the next government can move forward quickly once it takes over," he said.
Addressing concerns among government employees about the delay, Dr Salehuddin urged patience. "It has been about eight years .We have now taken the initiative ourselves after such a long gap. It's a significant step forward, and the employees should appreciate that. We are not sitting idle; we are working to establish the foundation for a new structure," he said.
He emphasized the need to follow administrative and fiscal discipline throughout the process. "We have to consider the overall budgetary context. Pay scale adjustments are not the only priority. We also have to make provisions for health, education, and other development sectors," he pointed out.
Dr Salehuddin expressed optimism that the next political government would prioritize the pay commission's reports. "The commissions are working independently and thoughtfully. Once their reports are ready, I believe the next government will act on them with due importance," he concluded.