The Bangladesh Government Salary Scale is a structured system that defines how public sector employees are paid based on their job role, rank, and responsibilities. Government jobs in Bangladesh are widely preferred due to their stability, social prestige, and extensive benefits. This article will guide you through the current Bangladesh government pay scale, including salary grades, facilities, allowances, and other perks available to government employees.
Introduction to Government Salary Scale in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Government Pay Scale Structure
20 Grades in Government Jobs
Basic Salary in Different Grades
Common Allowances for Government Employees
Additional Facilities and Perks
Retirement and Pension System
Revisions in the Government Pay Scale
Challenges and Recommendations
FAQs About Bangladesh Government Salary Scale
The Bangladesh Government Salary Scale is revised periodically to accommodate inflation, economic growth, and public sector competitiveness. The latest salary structure was announced in 2015 under the 8th Pay Scale, replacing the 7th pay scale of 2009. The 8th Pay Scale includes 20 grades for all government employees—from clerks to top-level secretaries.
Each grade comes with a fixed basic salary, and employees receive various allowances depending on their position and service duration.
The government pay scale in Bangladesh is non-cadre and cadre-based, covering teachers, health workers, police, administrative officers, and more. The scale includes:
20 grades (1 to 20)
Minimum basic salary: Tk. 8,250 (Grade 20)
Maximum basic salary: Tk. 78,000 (Grade 1 – Secretary)
Time scale and selection grade promotions
Annual increments depending on grade
Government jobs are categorized into 20 pay grades, where:
Grade 1 includes top officials like Secretaries
Grade 9 includes entry-level cadre officers (e.g., BCS Officers)
Grades 13-20 generally include clerks, assistants, office support staff
Here's a simplified version of the grade-wise job classification:
| Grade | Designation Example | Basic Salary (Tk) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senior Secretary / Secretary | 78,000 |
| 2 | Additional Secretary | 66,000 |
| 3 | Joint Secretary | 56,000 |
| 4 | Deputy Secretary | 50,000 |
| 5 | Senior Assistant Secretary | 43,000 |
| 6 | Assistant Secretary | 35,500 |
| 9 | BCS Cadre Entry Level | 22,000 – 53,060 |
| 13 | Upper Division Assistant | 11,000 – 26,590 |
| 16 | Office Assistant | 9,300 – 22,490 |
| 20 | Peon / Support Staff | 8,250 – 20,010 |
📌 Note: Basic salary excludes allowances and benefits.
The basic salary in government jobs is determined by the grade and experience. There is a yearly increment for each grade (around 5% of the basic), and additional increments may be available for outstanding performance or promotions.
For example:
A Grade 9 officer (like a BCS Cadre) starts at Tk. 22,000 basic and may reach up to Tk. 53,060 with increments and promotions.
A Grade 13 clerk starts at Tk. 11,000 and reaches Tk. 26,590.
In addition to basic salary, government employees in Bangladesh enjoy several allowances, which vary by position and location:
Dhaka and Chattogram Metropolitan Areas: 50% of basic salary
Other districts: 40% of basic salary
Tk. 1,500 to Tk. 2,000 per month depending on the grade.
Provided for official tours and outstation work. Reimbursed on actual expenses.
Varies from Tk. 500 to Tk. 6,000 depending on the post and grade.
Two bonuses a year (Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha), each equal to one basic salary.
20% of basic salary (applicable for all permanent employees).
Provided to employees with school-going children, especially in teaching jobs or remote areas.
Apart from salary and allowances, government employees enjoy long-term benefits that include:
Many employees in urban areas receive subsidized housing or flats.
High-ranking officers are entitled to government vehicles and drivers.
Access to government hospitals with subsidized or free treatment.
Employees are sent abroad for training under government or donor-funded projects.
Officers sent on official foreign visits receive travel per diem and accommodation.
The pension scheme is one of the most attractive parts of government jobs in Bangladesh:
Monthly Pension: Based on last drawn salary and years of service.
Gratuity Payment: Lump sum given at the time of retirement.
Welfare Fund: Financial assistance for critical health issues, accidents, or death in service.
Post-Retirement Benefits: Medical and travel benefits continue for certain retirees.
The last major revision occurred under the 8th National Pay Scale (2015). The government periodically forms a Pay Commission to review and propose updates based on:
Inflation rates
Living standards
Budget allocations
Public sector-private sector parity
An upcoming 9th Pay Scale is being discussed, which may further raise salaries, reduce disparity, and introduce performance-based rewards.
Delay in promotions and grade upgrades
Urban-rural disparity in allowances
Political influence in transfers and postings
Pension fund sustainability
Lack of digital systems for payroll management
Introduce performance-based increments
Ensure timely promotions based on merit
Establish a unified digital HR system
Encourage e-governance for better transparency
Revise pay scales every 5 years systematically
Answer: As per the 8th Pay Scale, the minimum basic salary is Tk. 8,250 (Grade 20).
Answer: The maximum basic salary is Tk. 78,000, applicable to Grade 1 officers like the Secretary.
Answer: There are 20 pay grades in total, from Grade 1 (highest) to Grade 20 (lowest).
Answer: Yes, all permanent government employees are entitled to a monthly pension and gratuity after retirement.
Answer: As of now, the 9th Pay Scale is under discussion and expected to be proposed soon, but the exact date depends on government approval and budgeting.
Answer: Yes, they receive two festival bonuses (equal to one basic salary each) and a Boishakhi Bonus (20% of basic salary).
Answer: Not all, but many are allotted government quarters or receive house rent allowance based on city and availability.
