On the day of Eid ul Fitr, when families celebrate with dignity and security, 45 workers stood on the streets in Dhaka without wages, jobs or certainty, forming a human chain to protest their sudden dismissal in the Novartis-Radiant share transfer.
The workers say they have gone seven months without income despite court orders and a government directive mandating their protection, turning a corporate transaction into a prolonged humanitarian crisis for dozens of families.
The protest took place in front of the National Press Club, where the workers also held a press conference alleging violations of labour law and non-compliance with official decisions.
According to the workers, the dispute began in December 2024 when Novartis Bangladesh Limited decided to transfer 60 percent of its shares to Radiant Pharmaceuticals. A compensation package was announced at the time, but workers rejected it, calling it inadequate and discriminatory.
As tensions escalated, workers demanded compensation equivalent to 84 months of benefits. The matter later moved to court. On 24 February, 2025, the High Court issued a status quo order directing that employment be maintained and the share transfer process be halted.
Despite this, and subsequent affidavits submitted before the Supreme Court assuring continuation of jobs and benefits, 46 workers were terminated on 18 September, 2025 without cause, according to those affected.
Following a series of meetings, the Ministry of Labour and Employment on February 5 this year adopted a 12-point decision, instructing both parties to implement it within 15 working days. Workers allege that the directive has not been implemented to date.
They say the failure to enforce both court commitments and the ministry’s directive raises serious concerns about compliance and regulatory oversight.
The workers demanded immediate implementation of the 12-point decision, reinstatement of terminated employees or full legal compensation, and payment of all outstanding wages, bonuses and benefits.
They also called on the prime minister to intervene, warning that prolonged inaction is pushing affected families into deeper financial hardship.
