Parliament approves two key civil service bills in 8 minutes amid Opposition protests

Bangla Press Desk:  Parliament has passed two bills addressing civil service discipline and entry age, transforming interim government ordinances into law.

The “Public Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026” and the “Bill on Maximum Age Limit for Direct Recruitment in Government and Autonomous Bodies, 2026” were both approved by voice vote on Sunday, with no discussion or participation from Opposition members.

The bills were passed in just eight minutes, marking the fastest legislative action in the 13th Parliament.

The first bill introduces disciplinary measures for government employees.

Any violation of lawful orders, obstruction of directives, incitement of colleagues, or absence without valid reason is deemed misconduct.

Offenders may face demotion, mandatory retirement, or dismissal.

After allegations are filed, the employee receives a seven-day notice to respond.

A three-member investigation committee, senior to the suspect and including at least one woman if the accused is female, must submit a report within 14 working days, extendable once by seven days.

Appeals can be filed within 30 working days, with the president able to review decisions even if no formal appeal is made.

The second bill maintains the maximum age for entry into government jobs at 32 years.

Existing positions with higher age limits remain unchanged, and recruitment rules for defence and law enforcement remain intact.

The legislation codifies adjustments made by the interim government in 2024, which raised the maximum entry age to 32 to address longstanding demands.

Despite Opposition requests to debate the bills as part of a supplementary agenda, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad confirmed no amendments were proposed.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said the special parliamentary committee had unconditionally recommended passing both bills.

Voice votes were held, and both bills were approved without parliamentary discussion.

The passage is expected to formalise civil service age limits and strengthen accountability mechanisms, aiming to ensure discipline, loyalty, and orderly administration in government offices.