Bangladesh, Sept. 1 -- Basic salaries of government service-holders rise by up to 142 per cent as the government Thursday approved the National Pay Scale 2026, retaining the existing 20-grade pay structure.

Advertisement The new pay scale takes retrospective effect from July 1, 2026, but the revised basic salaries will be implemented in three phases through July 1, 2027, with priority given to employees in grades 10 to 20.

Various allowances under the new structure will take effect from January 1, 2028.

Economist Dr M Masrur Reaz, however, urges the government to adopt a more cautious implementation schedule, warning that a rapid pay hike could fuel inflation, strain government's finances and increase borrowing.

The cabinet approved ...