Grameenphone faces protests as thousands of ex-employees demand justice, citing illegal dismissals, unpaid dues, and corporate misconduct.
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| Mass protests outside Grameenphone HQ in Dhaka highlight labor rights violations, corruption claims, and workers' decade-long fight for justice. Image: GP |
Dhaka, Bangladesh - December 12, 2024:
In a significant labor movement, 3,400 laid-off workers of Grameenphone, one of Bangladesh's leading telecommunications companies, have been staging a sit-in outside the company's headquarters in Dhaka. The protest, ongoing since December 1, 2024, is spearheaded by the "Job-laying and Right-Deprived Grameenphone Sramik Oikya Parishad." The workers are demanding reinstatement, financial compensation, and justice against alleged corruption and violations of labor rights.
Using hand-held microphones and distributing leaflets, the protesters accuse Grameenphone's top management of corruption and nepotism. They claim the company collaborated with "corrupt political leaders" and the administration of Sheikh Hasina, labeling the dismissals as inhumane and illegal.
In their statement, the workers highlighted alleged violations of labor laws and human rights, asserting that Grameenphone manipulated political influence and prolonged court proceedings to suppress labor rights.
Grameenphone, a joint venture between Norway's Telenor and Bangladesh's Grameen Telecom, serves over 82.2 million subscribers as of December 2023. Despite its success, the company is now under fire for its treatment of workers.
The protesters have outlined three key demands, The reinstatement of all employees dismissed since 2010, along with financial and social compensation. Settlement of all dues, including a 5% penalty on dividends for the years 2009-2012. Legal action against company officials accused of misconduct and oppression.
The workers describe their dismissal as a "shameful incident" in the history of Bangladesh, emphasizing the irony of such actions from one of the nation’s most profitable companies.
The sit-in, initially planned for December 1-5, has continued indefinitely due to a lack of response from the company or the government. The protesters vow to escalate their movement, seeking justice for what they call a decade-long struggle.
As of now, Grameenphone's CEO Yasir Azman and the company's management have not issued a formal statement regarding the protests or allegations.
The workers have called for public support, urging a united effort to address labor rights violations in the face of economic and political challenges. The sit-in has gained attention nationwide, raising critical questions about corporate accountability and workers' rights in Bangladesh.