Former Grameenphone Workers Demand 5% Profit Share

Former Grameenphone employees held a national protest rally in front of the National Press Club, demanding payment of their legally claimed dues accumulated over the past 16 years, an end to alleged labour repression, and protection of workers' acquired rights.

Labour leader Babul Akter, President of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, joined the rally in solidarity and urged workers across sectors to remain united in protecting their legally recognized rights.

Speakers alleged that a recent writ petition filed by Grameenphone's Head of Industrial Relations, Aulad Hossain, in his capacity as a shareholder could undermine workers' entitlement under the Workers' Profit Participation Fund (WPPF). According to the protesters, if workers lose their legally guaranteed 5% profit-sharing benefit, the implications could extend beyond Grameenphone and affect employees across multiple industries.

The protesters argued that the WPPF benefit is a statutory right under Bangladesh's labour laws and not a discretionary benefit granted by employers. They called for immediate payment of outstanding dues and implementation of workers' legal entitlements.

Protest slogans included- "One Demand, One Goal—Return Our 5% Profit Share"; "Our 5% Profit Share Is a Legal Right"; "Pay the Outstanding 5% for 2020, 2021 and 2022"; "Workers of Bangladesh United" and "Workers' Rights Are Not Charity".

The protesters also noted that they have continued demonstrations at GP House, the National Press Club and other locations since Eid-ul-Azha, demanding implementation of their legally recognized profit-sharing benefits.

Earlier, Grameenphone stated that most protesters had left the company years ago and had received their lawful benefits. The company also said that the matters raised by the protesters are currently before the courts and it respects the judicial process.
//DBTech/AZG/SME//