Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has advised government employees to exercise patience regarding the implementation of the new pay structure.
Responding to a journalist’s question after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Procurement today, he said, “Nothing has happened in the past seven to eight years. At least we’ve taken an initiative. Instead of expressing frustration, we should be thanked.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Frustration has grown among government employees as they believe the matter may be delayed until a political government takes office.
A question was raised to the finance adviser about whether the interim government would be able to implement the new pay structure.
Ahmed said the task of finalising the new pay structure is being carried out independently by the National Pay Commission.
“It’s a complex process, but the interim government will finalise the pay commission’s report (salary structure) for government officials and employees. Hopefully, the next government will treat the matter with importance.”
He added, “This work is being done with careful consideration. I don’t believe the next government will disregard it.”
Ahmed also mentioned that once all three reports—civil, military, and judiciary—are received, their similarities will be taken into account.
“These tasks take time. There are administrative procedures involved. The secretary committee will review it, the Ministry of Public Administration will look into it, and the Finance Division is also involved. Only then can it be implemented. That’s why I said there is some uncertainty about implementing it during our tenure.”
Addressing government employees, the adviser said the frustration is unexpected and urged them to be patient.
Meanwhile, the procurement committee has approved the import of 50,000 tonnes of rice at a price of $355.59 per tonne, with Agrocorp International Pte Ltd as the importer.
A food ministry official stated that the government plans to import a total of 600,000 tonnes of rice to increase food stock in its warehouses, of which contracts for 200,000 tonnes have already been signed.
Additionally, the committee has approved proposals to purchase 12,500 tonnes of sugar and 12 million litres of soybean oil.
The sugar will be bought at Tk 94.94 per kg, and the soybean oil at Tk 164.21 per litre.
