Civil Service Act on the card

The government has initiated a separate law titled the “Bangladesh Civil Service Act”, although the “Public Service Act” already governs government employees

A committee was formed on 12 May to draft the proposed law, though it is yet to be decided whether it will apply only to BCS cadre officials or all government employees.

As part of an electoral commitment, the public administration ministry has formed a 16-member committee headed by the additional secretary (Rules) to prepare the draft law. 

Committee’s tasks, timeline

The committee has been tasked with reviewing all relevant public service laws and drafting the Act in line with the Constitution, and must submit its report within three months. It may also co-opt additional members if needed.

A member of the committee told TBS that they will first review existing laws and regulations before drafting the proposal, with a formal meeting expected soon. 

Experts note that the scope of the Act could either be limited to BCS officials or extended to all government employees; the latter would require amendments to the existing Public Service Act. 

He noted that the likely direction is a BCS-only framework, though no final decision has been made. The issue will be settled in upcoming committee discussions. The committee will also assess whether parallel laws could create legal inconsistencies.

Expert views

Public administration expert Firoz Mia said it is not possible to assess the proposal without seeing the draft, stressing that any law must avoid deepening cadre–non-cadre tensions and remain consistent with the Constitution. 

A former secretary said many countries have similar laws, and Bangladesh could adopt either a cadre-only or broader civil service framework, which may require changes to existing legislation.

Committee structure

The committee includes joint secretaries from various wings of the public administration ministry, including Rules-2, Recruitment, Promotion and Deputation, Organisation and Management, Administration, Reform and Research, and Legal wings.

It also includes representatives from the Cabinet Division, Finance Division, and Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. 

Heads of key training and administrative institutions—Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre, Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy, and National Institute of Development Administration—are also members.

Additionally, the additional director general of the National Planning and Development Academy and the director of the BIAM Foundation have been included. The Senior Assistant Secretary (Rules-5 wing) of the ministry serves as Member-Secretary.

Reform commitments 

The BNP’s 2026 election manifesto calls for a skilled, merit-based, accountable and citizen-oriented public administration.

It also pledges reforms in recruitment to ensure merit-based evaluation, enactment of a suitable Civil Service Act in line with the Constitution, and expansion of e-governance across all levels.