More than 400 former employees of Grameenphone staged a demonstration in front of GP House on Wednesday, demanding settlement of “long-pending dues” affecting around 4,000 worker families.
The protest followed the recent visit of Telenor Group’s global CEO Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer to Bangladesh, with demonstrators alleging the company has failed to address claims linked to the Worker Profit Participation Fund and a 5 per cent delayed payment penalty over the past 15 years, organisers said in a press release.
Speakers said despite assurances on labour standards and development during the CEO’s visit, no progress has been made in resolving the dispute, which they said has persisted despite a 17-month-long movement.
They alleged the company used influence during political transitions and delayed legal processes, preventing workers from receiving their dues and access to remedy.
Grameenphone 5% Delayed Dues Recovery United Council Convener Abu Sadat Md Shoeb said the company’s commitments would gain credibility only after settling the outstanding payments.
“We urge the government to ensure the issue is resolved in line with international labour standards and global business commitments,” he said.
Movement coordinator Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury called for intervention from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the claims of affected workers.
The demonstrators said several former employees had died without receiving their dues, while many families continue to face financial hardship.
They said the movement would continue through peaceful and lawful means until a resolution is reached.
Grameenphone in response told TIMES of Bangladesh, “At various times over the past few months, some former employees of GP gathered in front of the GPHouse, raising various demands relating to employment and benefits.
To our knowledge, most of them separated from Grameenphone a long time ago and have received their lawful entitlements.
Also, the demands that are being raised by these individuals are currently subject matters of various cases before the Hon’ble courts.
Grameenphone has high regard for the judicial system. Therefore, any legal proceedings will eventually be resolved through the court proceedings. It has come to our attention that these individuals are spreading misleading information about Grameenphone in media and in social media.”
