BSS
  05 Apr 2026, 18:52

JS passes Public Service (Amendment Bill), 2026

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SANGSAD BHABAN, April 5, 2026 (BSS) - The Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today passed 
the Public Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026 inducting strict disciplinary 
measures and a fast-track investigation process to ensure accountability and 
discipline among government employees.

The proposed law seeks to amend the Public Service Act, 2018, by inserting a 
new section, 37 (Ka), specifically targeting actions that disrupt public 
service.

With Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair, State 
Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari moved the Bill and it was 
passed by voice vote. 

According to the draft bill, government employees will be liable for 
"disruptive misconduct" if they disobey lawful orders from superiors or 
obstruct the implementation of government circulars and directives without a 
valid reason. 

The bill also categorizes collective absence from work without authorized 
leave or obstructing other employees from performing their duties as 
punishable offenses.

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 sets a rigid timeline for disciplinary 
proceedings. An accused employee must respond to a show-cause notice within 
seven working days. 

If the response is deemed unsatisfactory, a three-member investigation 
committee must be formed within three working days.

The committee is required to submit its report within 14 working days, with a 
provision for a one-time extension of seven days under exceptional 
circumstances. 

In a significant addition, the draft law holds the investigators themselves 
accountable. If a committee fails to submit its report within the stipulated 
timeframe without a justified reason, it will be marked as "inefficiency" in 
their Personnel Management Information System (PMIS) and official dossiers. 

This record could lead to separate disciplinary actions against the committee 
members.
The bill allows aggrieved employees to appeal against a penalty within 30 
working days. While orders issued by the President cannot be appealed, 
affected employees may apply for a review within the same timeframe.

The object of the bill notes that the amendment is necessary to suppress 
indiscipline and ensure that the republic's work remains unhindered. 

This bill will replace the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and 
the Public Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.