Two former officials of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) have been observing a hunger strike for the fifth consecutive day, alleging financial irregularities at the organisation and claiming they were dismissed for raising concerns.
The protesters are Toukir Ahmed, former assistant director of the organisation’s Mobile Library Project, and Mohammad Erfanul Haque, a former staff member.
They began the hunger strike at the foot of the Raju Sculpture on Dhaka University campus on Saturday at 2pm.
The two allege that they were removed from their posts after protesting against financial irregularities and administrative misconduct within the institution.
They have demanded an independent investigation into the allegations and reinstatement in their jobs.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the protesters said irregularities had long existed in the government-funded Mobile Library Project, claiming that planned book procurement and reader services were not properly implemented, depriving readers in remote areas.
They further alleged that 65 to 70 employees were dismissed from a workforce of around 180 after raising concerns over alleged irregularities. They also demanded accountability in the organisation’s financial management.
“We will continue our hunger strike until our demands are met,” said Erfanul Haque, adding that the situation has created severe hardship for his family.
He described the dismissal as “unjust and inhumane” and claimed that the organisation took action against him and several colleagues after they raised issues regarding financial and policy matters.
Erfanul said he had worked in the Mobile Library Project for around 15 years, while many colleagues had been associated with it for 20 to 25 years. He also alleged that the long-running programme had been abruptly shut down.
He further claimed that salaries for some employees remained unpaid for extended periods and raised allegations of misappropriation of funds, including government-allocated salary money.
He also alleged that subscription refunds for cancelled memberships had not been returned, despite commitments, and claimed that around Tk7 crore was held in fixed deposits.
Efforts to obtain comments from Bishwo Shahitto Kendro were unsuccessful as calls to the organisation went unanswered.
