Dhaka, May 26 -- Despite a day of protests by civil servants at the Secretariat, the interim government has issued an ordinance amending the Public Service Act 2018.

The ordinance was issued on Sunday night with formal approval from the president.

The amendment introduces provisions for severe penalties-including dismissal-for acts such as unauthorised absence, disobedience and creating disorder in the workplace.

Earlier, the Advisory Council approved the proposal to issue the amendment as an ordinance on Thursday.

Starting from Sunday morning, government employees protested and held processions against the decision at the Secretariat throughout the day.

Protesters say the proposed ordinance creates opportunities to punish or even di...