Former Female Employees Protest Against Grameenphone on International Women’s Day
A peaceful demonstration organized by former female employees of Grameenphone was successfully held on Saturday in front of the company’s headquarters near the entrance of Bashundhara Residential Area. The protest, carried out under the banner of "Grameenphone’s Female Employees," aimed to highlight grievances over the company's alleged mistreatment of its former staff.
Participants in the demonstration carried placards with slogans such as, "Shame on Grameenphone! Is this how you respect women?" and "Shame on Grameenphone, shame!"
Farzana, a former employee participating in the protest, expressed her frustration, stating, "While Grameenphone celebrates International Women’s Day, it continues to disrespect its former female employees." She urged the company to issue a public apology for its alleged disregard for its ex-employees.
Farzana further alleged that over 4,000 former Grameenphone employees from the years 2010, 2011, and 2012 have yet to receive their due financial settlements. She also claimed that 11 former employees had been arrested for protesting against their unpaid dues.
Speakers at the demonstration strongly condemned the reported police crackdown on February 25, 2025, labeling it as inhumane. They reiterated their demand for Grameenphone to pay the outstanding 5% penalty that has been withheld illegally for the past 15 years, pushing many former employees into severe financial distress.
Protesters also claimed that during the February 25 crackdown, female demonstrators were not spared. They alleged that police used batons, water cannons, and physical force without provocation, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals, including three women. "This is not just an injustice against us but against all working women in the country," the speakers asserted.
Former female employees stood in solidarity, holding banners and placards while peacefully voicing their demands. Many protesters emphasized that their movement on Women’s Day was not just about Grameenphone’s alleged injustices but also part of a larger struggle for the rights of working women in Bangladesh.
Speakers urged the government, human rights organizations, the media, and the general public to take a stand against the alleged mistreatment and hold Grameenphone accountable. They also condemned the company for deploying police forces and water cannons to suppress peaceful protesters.
