Women’s Day Witnesses Protests, Advocacy, and Innovation
March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines is celebrating the occasion with a special flight. The Dhaka-Bangkok-Dhaka BG 388 flight will be operated by an all-female crew, with two female cockpit crew members and five female cabin crew. The flight will be captained by Captain Anita and First Officer Tabassum.
On the same day, MASLab will organize an Open Lab Day at Green City Center in Dhanmondi for school and college-going girls. The event will feature activities such as observing cells under a microscope, conducting chemical reactions, learning about female scientists' research, and participating in quizzes and interactive games.
However, amid these inspiring initiatives, a protest has been called in front of the headquarters of the country's leading mobile operator, Grameenphone, in Bashundhara. Under the banner of “Grameenphone Narī Karmībrindo” (Grameenphone Women Employees), the demonstration will demand the release of delayed penalty payments from 2010, 2011, and 2012. The protest comes in response to the recent arrest of 11 employees, including three women, during a peaceful sit-in demonstration.
Leaders of the dismissed and aggrieved Grameenphone Workers’ Unity Council stated that on February 25, during a regular protest in front of the Grameenphone headquarters, police used water cannons to disperse the crowd and arrested former female employee Fauziatun Nahar Shampa along with two former employees' wives, Sufinaz Basita Akhtar Suniti and Tasnuva Rahman Tithi.
A case was filed on February 26 at Vatara Police Station against 29 individuals, including the 11 arrested protesters. The case (No. 50/102) was filed by Grameenphone’s current security in-charge, Mr. Moin, alleging that the accused were “leading unethical and unreasonable demands on a sub judice matter at various times.” However, all accused have since been released on bail.
Among the detained individuals, Suniti, a heart patient with 70% artery blockage, suffered health complications during her detention. The trauma of that night continues to haunt many of the protesters. The organizers have called upon the government, human rights organizations, media, and conscientious citizens to stand in solidarity with them.
One of the protestors stated, “For 15 years, Grameenphone has unlawfully withheld our 5% penalty dues. Our fight against this injustice continues. However, on February 25, 2025, when we were peacefully demonstrating for our rightful demands, the police—acting under Grameenphone’s influence—brutally repressed us. Even our female colleagues were not spared from the unprovoked baton charge, water cannons, and physical assault. Eleven of our colleagues, including three women, were arrested. On Women’s Day, we will hold a protest rally against Grameenphone’s repressive actions and demand our rightful 5% penalty dues. This is not just our fight; it is a strong protest against injustice towards working women in this country.”
Meanwhile, during the protests, Cyber Support for Women and Children (CSWC), in collaboration with Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), will organize a rickshaw rally from Beltola, Banani to Ershad Field, Karail.
Additionally, the Research and Publication Club (AUSTRPC) of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology will conduct a Research Odyssey the following day, focusing on research, innovation, and problem-solving skills. BLAST has also urged awareness regarding technology-facilitated gender-based violence and encouraged the use of social media for legal support and complaint filing via mobile applications.
