Dhaka: The Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today passed the Public Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stringent disciplinary actions and a fast-track investigation process aimed at enhancing accountability and discipline among government employees.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public Service Act, 2018, by incorporating a new section, 37 (Ka), specifically targeting actions that disrupt public service. With Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presiding over the session, State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari presented the bill, which was subsequently passed by voice vote.
The draft bill stipulates that government employees will be held liable for “disruptive misconduct” if they fail to obey lawful orders from superiors or obstruct the implementation of government circulars and directives without a valid reason. It further categorizes collective absence from work without authorized leave or obstructing other employees from performing their duties as offenses warranting punishment.
Under the new provisions, employees found guilty of such misconduct could face severe penalties, including demotion to a lower post or pay grade, compulsory retirement, or dismissal from service. To ensure swift justice, the bill mandates a rigid timeline for disciplinary proceedings, requiring an accused employee to respond to a show-cause notice within seven working days. Should the response be deemed unsatisfactory, a three-member investigation committee must be formed within three working days.
The committee is obligated to submit its report within 14 working days, with an allowance for a one-time extension of seven days under exceptional circumstances. In a notable addition, the draft law holds the investigators themselves accountable. Failure to submit a report within the stipulated timeframe without justified reason will be marked as “inefficiency” in the Personnel Management Information System (PMIS) and official dossiers, potentially leading to separate disciplinary actions against committee members.
The bill also provides for aggrieved employees to appeal against a penalty within 30 working days. While orders issued by the President are not subject to appeal, affected employees may apply for a review within the same timeframe. The bill’s objective emphasizes the necessity of the amendment to suppress indiscipline and ensure the continuous functioning of the republic’s work.
This legislation will replace the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and the Public Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.