Dismissed armed forces personnel continued their protest in front of the National Press Club on Sunday, blocking an army delegation’s vehicle after rejecting verbal assurances regarding their four-point demands.
Earlier, they had launched a demonstration in front of the National Press Club on Sunday morning, demanding job reinstatement and other benefits. Organised under the banner of Bangladesh Comrade Platform (BCP), protesters warned they would march toward Dhaka Cantonment’s Jahangir Gate if their demands went unheeded.
At 2pm, a delegation led by Veteran Directorate Brigadier General Aminur Rahman, arrived from Army Headquarters for talks. Though the delegation offered verbal assurances, protesters refused to accept them and instead lay down in front of the officials’ car, blocking their exit.
By 5pm, dismissed soldiers, along with family members, were lying in front of the delegation’s vehicle inside the Press Club premises.
During their preparations for a long march toward Jahangir Gate, they were stopped by police, who deployed water cannons though no baton charges occurred.
Following discussions, the army delegation assured protesters that their demands would be reviewed, urging them to submit reinstatement applications to army headquarters. They also invited a protest delegation for further talks on Monday.
Brig Gen Aminur stated that those dismissed for minor offenses would be reinstated in phases, while serious cases would be “considered if possible.” He added that efforts would be made regarding the release of arrested ex-soldier Naeemul Islam.
However, protesters remained unmoved, continuing their blockade with slogans. Despite mediation attempts by coordinators, the standoff persisted, with hundreds of police and army personnel present at the scene.
They had four key demands, which included: full reinstatement with back pay and benefits from dismissal date, full pension benefits for thoseineligible for reinstatement, judicial reforms, including amendments to Article 45 of the Constitution, and immediate release of arrested coordinator Naeemul Islam.