ঢাকাবৃহস্পতিবার , ১৩ অগাস্ট ২০২৬
Field technicians and office staff of British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) continued their movement demanding permanent employment on Thursday (13 August). They held a symbolic hunger strike in Rangpur and a human chain along with a protest demonstration at the Allardarga leaf region in Kushtia.
The workers said that despite working for BATB for a long time, their jobs have not been made permanent. They are still employed through a contractor. They have therefore demanded that the contractual system be abolished and that they be given direct permanent jobs under BATB.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, workers staged a human chain and protest at the Allardarga leaf region in Kushtia. The programme was observed for the second consecutive day.
At the same time, field technicians and office staff held a symbolic hunger strike in front of the Kellaband CO Bazar office of the Rangpur leaf region.
While the hunger strike was underway in Rangpur, the chairman of the Rangpur Development Authority, Shamsuzzaman Samu, and a local member of parliament visited the site. They spoke with the protesting workers and discussed their demands. Later, they offered the workers water and broke the symbolic hunger strike.
At that time, Shamsuzzaman Samu told the workers that if their legitimate demands were not met, he would stand by them and join the movement to realise those demands. Following this assurance, the workers ended the symbolic hunger strike.
The protesters reported that during the hunger strike two workers, Md. Rabiul Islam and Md. Masud Mia, fell ill. They alleged that even after the workers became unwell, the relevant authorities did not contact them.
Leaders of the movement were also present alongside the workers at the Rangpur programme.
Meanwhile, a human chain and protest demonstration were held for the second consecutive day at the Allardarga leaf region in Kushtia. Field technicians and office staff from the Allardarga, Manikganj, Chechua, Jhenaidah and Meherpur leaf regions took part in the programme.
Among those present at the Allardarga programme were the organisation’s president Md. Ariful Islam, general secretary Md. Samiul Islam, organising secretary Mohammad Sohel Rana, member Md. Shahidul Islam, and other leaders, activists and workers.
The workers recalled that on 10 August they had held a press conference at the Kushtia Press Club and put forward several demands. These included direct permanent employment under BATB, an end to threats of dismissal and suspension of wages, and a stop to harassment. They had also warned of tougher programmes if the demands were not met.
Earlier, the workers had observed various programmes including work stoppages, human chains and protests in support of permanent jobs and the protection of workers’ rights.
In the meantime, following the workers’ applications, the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 9 August forwarded the matter to the relevant authorities. Directions have been given to take necessary measures in accordance with the law regarding recognition of workers employed in various units under the Rangpur leaf region in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur and Gaibandha as permanent workers, and concerning allegations of violation of their labour rights.
The protesting workers have demanded that their call for direct permanent employment under BATB be accepted quickly. They have also stated that if the demands are not met, even stricter programmes will be announced in the days ahead.
