The Bangladesh government has moved to finalize the draft of the ninth national pay scale, proposing several structural changes. A secretary committee has recommended adjusting the ratio between the highest and lowest basic salaries from 1:8 to 1:7.5, along with revisions to various allowances and a two-phase implementation plan. Although the new pay scale was announced to take effect from July 1, the official gazette has not yet been issued, and the Ministry of Finance expects a delay of two to three months.

The draft also includes differentiated annual increments by grade instead of a uniform rate. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ Living Standard Survey 2025 has been used to guide the new structure, reflecting average household expenses. The pay commission proposed a top basic salary of Tk 160,000 and a minimum of Tk 20,000, but the secretary committee is considering Tk 150,000 for the top grade and a slightly lower minimum. Allowances such as medical and education benefits are likely to be lower than the commission’s recommendations but higher than current levels.

Implementation will occur in two stages: basic salary increases in the current fiscal year and allowance adjustments from 2027–28. The proposal is expected to reach the cabinet within two weeks for approval.