The Bangladesh government is considering implementing the much-anticipated Ninth Pay Scale in two phases instead of the previously proposed three-phase structure, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
The issue is expected to receive significant attention at an upcoming meeting of the Secretary Committee, where policymakers will review salary adjustments, allowance increases, implementation timelines, pay disparities, and legal and technical challenges related to the new pay structure.
Two-Phase Plan Under Consideration
Sources at the Ministry of Finance said an earlier proposal suggested introducing the new pay scale in three stages. However, following strong demands from government employees and staff associations, authorities are now evaluating whether the process can be streamlined into two phases.
The committee is also expected to discuss how much of the recommendations made by the National Pay Commission will be incorporated into the final salary package. In addition to basic salary adjustments, proposed increases in various allowances are likely to be reviewed.
Important Meeting Scheduled
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani confirmed that the Secretary Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, where several issues concerning public administration and compensation policies will be discussed.
Officials involved in the process said special focus will be given to reducing salary disparities affecting employees in grades 11 to 20. The meeting may also address amendments to existing regulations through legal review and the use of the government’s digital financial management platform, iBAS++, to simplify pay-scale calculations and implementation procedures.
New Pay Scale Expected From July
A senior government official indicated that the new pay scale is expected to take effect from July 1. However, discussions are still ongoing regarding the extent of the basic salary increase.
While the revised pay structure may become effective at the start of the fiscal year, employees may have to wait two to three months before receiving payments under the new system due to administrative processing requirements.
Officials expressed optimism that several key issues will be finalized during the upcoming committee meeting.
Greater Focus on Lower-Income Employees
Government sources said the proposed pay structure aims to provide relatively larger salary increases for lower-grade employees compared to senior officials.
The move is intended to help lower-income public servants cope with rising living costs and inflation while maintaining overall fiscal discipline.
Under proposals currently being discussed:
- Employees in grades 10 to 20 may receive comparatively higher salary adjustments.
- Salary increases for employees in grades 1 to 9 could be implemented at a more moderate rate.
According to sources, around 40 percent of the approved salary increase for grades 1 to 9 may be implemented in the first phase. For employees in grades 10 to 20, as much as 60 percent of the proposed increase could be introduced initially.
However, officials emphasized that no final decision has yet been taken, and the figures remain under review.
Previous Discussions Reviewed Key Recommendations
At a meeting held on June 18, policymakers reviewed proposals from the National Pay Commission, the Judicial Service Pay Commission, and recommendations related to the pay structure of the armed forces.
All members of the reconstituted Secretary Committee, led by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, have been requested to attend the upcoming meeting, where crucial decisions regarding the future of public sector salaries are expected.
The outcome of the discussions could shape the largest salary restructuring initiative for government employees in years and provide clearer direction on the implementation of the Ninth Pay Scale.
