Dhaka: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today stated that the government had only received the Pay Commission’s report and has yet to make any decisions regarding its enforcement. He emphasized that further scrutiny is required before any action can be taken.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fouzul Kabir made these remarks while responding to reporters’ questions after attending meetings on the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Bangladesh Secretariat. When asked whether implementing the pay scale would impose financial pressure on the next administration, he clarified that there seems to be some misunderstanding about the issue.
He elaborated, saying government employees have been demanding the formation of a Pay Commission for the past 10 to 13 years, which typically occurs every five years. While the commission has submitted its report, accepting it does not equate to implementation. The government has no current plans to enforce the recommendations, he added.
To evaluate the recommendations, the government has set up a review committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The committee will assess the proposals’ feasibility, especially their fiscal impact. Fouzul Kabir Khan noted that the report allows for flexibility, stating that the next government could change, modify, or reject any decision as it sees fit.
When questioned about whether inflation was considered in the pay structure, the adviser confirmed that the commission, led by Zakir Ahmed Khan, was an independent body that accounted for all relevant macroeconomic indicators, including inflation.
He acknowledged concerns about the potential financial burden of fully implementing the recommendations. However, he noted that pay commission recommendations are typically enforced in phases rather than all at once. The review committee will examine budgetary capacity, financing sources, and phased implementation should the recommendations be approved.
Fouzul Kabir Khan dismissed concerns about the move creating pressure on the next government. He emphasized that the interim administration is working in the interest of future governments, citing initiatives like the Power and Energy Sector Master Plan and a multimodal transport sector plan. These initiatives aim to ensure a smooth start for the incoming government without immediate protests or administrative deadlock.
Addressing fears of a rise in commodity prices due to the pay scale, the Adviser stated that such concerns are unfounded as no implementation decision has been made. He urged the media to report the issue accurately, reiterating that no gazette notification or implementation decision has been issued.