A dramatic reset of government pay is on the table.
Minimum salaries could more than double, senior officials would see major gains, and allowances would stay untouched.
For 1.5 million government employees, the National Pay Commission’s move will potentially lift the minimum salary to Tk 20,000 and the top echelon to Tk 160,000.
Existing allowances and benefits would continue alongside the revised structure.
Despite this unprecedented recommendation, uncertainty clouds its rollout under the interim government. Funds have been allocated in the revised budget — an additional Tk 220 billion earmarked — but full implementation may depend on the next administration.
With allowances included, a Grade 20 employee posted in Dhaka would earn around Tk 42,000 a month, compared with about Tk 17,000 at present.
Finance and bureaucratic officials warn that the proposed scale would reshape government spending, even as inflationary pressures and rising living costs have intensified demands for higher pay.
Commission Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan describes the report as “very positive,” yet cautions that approval and execution remain separate battles, leaving employees and policymakers on tenterhooks.
Zakir, a former finance secretary, told bdnews24.com on Sunday: “We have an appointment with the chief advisor on Jan 21, when we will submit the report. I can say this much — something very positive is coming.”
The interim government formed the Pay Commission on Jul 24, tasking it with submitting recommendations within six months. After multiple deadline extensions, the commission is now preparing to hand in the report.
Calls for a new pay scale had intensified amid high inflation and rising living costs. After the interim government assumed office last August, discussions initially focused on dearness allowance.
Many had expected an announcement in the budget for the new fiscal year in June. Instead, Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed announced special benefits for government employees, effective from Jul 1.
Under the existing 2015 pay scale, there are 20 grades covering around 1.5 million government employees.