Fourteen government officials and employees have been temporarily suspended following a protest at Bangladesh’s Secretariat that violated administrative laws. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the suspensions through multiple circulars issued on Monday. The action follows a December 10 incident in which non-cadre officials confined Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed for over six hours during a demonstration demanding a 'Secretariat allowance.' The officials were later placed on five-day remand under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

According to ministry sources, those suspended include leaders of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council and staff from several ministries, including Health, Finance, and Information. Witnesses said protesters blocked the adviser’s exit and chanted slogans until police escorted him out around 8:12 p.m.

The suspensions mark a strong administrative response to growing unrest among non-cadre employees over pay disparities. Officials indicated that further disciplinary measures could follow pending investigation outcomes, while unions have called the move excessive and politically motivated.