Thousands of outsourcers from different government institutions mount a demonstration at Shahbagh on Saturday, demanding nationalisation of their jobs. However, the programme triggered severe congestion in built-up areas for hours. — FE Photo by Asad-Uz-Zaman Outsourcing workers from different government institutions staged a demonstration at Shahbagh intersection in the capital on Saturday, demanding nationalisation of their jobs.
The street demonstration continued for nearly seven hours, causing severe traffic congestion in nearby Science Lab and Banglamotor areas.
Under the banner of the Bangladesh Outsourcing Employees Welfare Association, the protesters demanded that the government absorb them as permanent employees in government, autonomous bodies and departmental institutions.
Several hundred outsourcing employees gathered at the busy intersection around 10:00am, halting traffic for hours and forcing passengers to start journey on foot.
The protesters - many of them travelled from outside Dhaka - expressed frustration with their precarious job conditions, citing issues such as delayed salaries, the demand for bribes to renew contracts and the threat of losing their jobs due to tender complexities.
They also claim to have faced longstanding grievances, such as salary arrears ranging from five to six months, and in some cases up to two years, as well as losing their jobs if bribes are not paid.
Around 2:30pm, Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan, joined the rally in solidarity with the workers.
He called on the interim government to quickly engage with the association's leadership and address their demands, urging the authorities to eliminate discrimination and restore fairness in the employment of outsourced workers.
Meanwhile, a six-member delegation from the association was called to Jamuna, the residence of the chief adviser, in the afternoon to discuss the issue.
Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Outsourcing Employees Welfare Association, confirmed the meeting and expressed hope for a resolution.
However, before dispersing around 6:30pm, the protesters issued a 15-day ultimatum for the government to meet their demands.
They warned of continued demonstrations if no action is taken within this period.
The traffic situation in Shahbagh and its surrounding areas gradually returned to normal once the blockade was lifted.
According to Mehedi Hasan Shakil, Assistant Commissioner (Traffic), the traffic division had been managing the congestion by diverting vehicles through alternative routes such as the Hotel Intercontinental intersection, Matsya Bhaban, and Kataban, with additional police deployed to prevent further disruptions.
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