Bangladesh Government Employees Propose Minimum Salary of BDT 35,000 and Reduced Grades
The Pay Commission has begun its work to formulate a new salary structure for government employees. In pursuit of this, various government employee associations have submitted their proposals to the Commission. Among them, the Bangladesh Government Employees Welfare Federation has proposed setting the minimum salary at BDT 35,000 and recommended reducing the number of salary grades.
Key Proposals by the Federation
Abdul Malek, Joint General Secretary and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Government Employees Welfare Federation, told the media:
• Minimum Salary: “We have proposed that the minimum salary be set at BDT 35,000.”
• Grade Reduction: “The number of salary grades should be reduced from 20 to 12.”
• Addressing Inflation: “We have proposed BDT 35,000 considering the rising cost of essential commodities.”
• Salary Disparity: The Federation noted that the current salary disparity ratio is 1:10, and they have proposed reducing this to 1:4 to decrease wage gaps.
Financial Loss Due to Delays
Abdul Malek pointed out that the last pay scale was enacted in 2015, and although it was due again in 2020, it did not happen.
“Due to this, employees have been financially disadvantaged. If the pay scale had been implemented regularly, salaries would have doubled in 2020 and reached BDT 33,000 by 2025,” he said
He emphasized that pay scales should ideally be reviewed every five years, and the failure to do so in both 2020 and 2025 has caused significant financial loss to government employees.
Living Costs and Private Sector Wages
The Federation also stressed the importance of increasing wages in the private sector. Abdul Malek provided a basic calculation of living expenses:
• Food Cost: “Even if a person eats dal-bhat-bhorta (lentils, rice, and mashed vegetables) three times a day, the cost is about BDT 150 per day.”
• Monthly Need: “A minimum of BDT 27,000 is required per month for a family of six. Adding rent, medical expenses, education, and all other costs, even BDT 50,000 is insufficient.”
Expected Timeline and Increase
Meanwhile, Education Advisor Professor C. R. Abrar indicated that the new pay scale proposal might be submitted in January or February [of the upcoming year]. He suggested that based on current indications, salaries could increase by 50% to 70%, and even up to 100%.
