DHAKA, July 24, 2025 (BSS) - The government has issued the Public Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, identifying several actions as misconduct for public servants, including disobeying lawful orders from superiors, ignoring official directives without valid reasons, and obstructing or inciting others to obstruct their implementation.

The ordinance also categorises collective absence from duty without sanctioned leave or logical grounds, as well as hindering colleagues from attending or performing work, as misconduct.

Punishments for such offences may include demotion, compulsory retirement, or dismissal, according to a gazette published by the Law and Justice Division on Wednesday night.
 
Upon receiving a complaint, formal charges must be brought and the accused will be served a show cause notice with a seven-working-day response period, including the option for a personal hearing.
 
If the explanation is unsatisfactory or a hearing is skipped, a probe committee comprised of members senior to the accused and including at least one woman in cases involving female officials must be formed within three working days. The probe must be completed and reported within 14 working days, extendable by a maximum of seven days under valid circumstances.
 
The Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, approved the ordinance draft on July 3. It received final approval after legal vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.