Ahead of Eid, sanitation workers of Barishal City Corporation have launched a strike demanding payment of their overdue salaries and festive bonuses. On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of workers gathered in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall, staging a protest and voicing their grievances. The event drew attention from Monisha Chakraborty, the district coordinator of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD), who expressed solidarity with the workers’ demands.
Workers’ Grievances
Participants claimed that although they work 30 days a month, they are only paid for 22 days. Traditionally, additional allowances were provided during festive occasions such as Eid and Iftar, but this year, the workers allege, only the basic salary has been promised, leaving bonuses and festive allowances unpaid.
The financial strain has created hardships for families. Worker Rahim Mia said,
“If we do not receive our bonus before Eid, the joy of the festival will be lost. This is a grave injustice to us.”
Similarly, Aleya Begum explained,
“With such low wages, it is already difficult to run a household. Without the festive allowance, how can we celebrate Eid with our children?”
Protest March and Demonstration
The day’s demonstration began with a sit-in at the city corporation building. Workers then proceeded on a march through Chakbazar and Girjamohalla streets, culminating in a gathering at Ashwini Kumar Hall. The workers announced that if salaries and bonuses are not disbursed by the 27th of Ramadan, they would escalate their protest with measures including road blockades.
Administrative Context
City Corporation sources said that under a joint decision by the Directorate of Labour and the Ministry of Local Government, the daily wages of labourers were increased from 10,000 to 16,000 Taka. However, the gazette notification explicitly excluded any festive allowances, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among workers.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Work Days | 30 days |
| Paid Days | 22 days |
| Daily Wage | Increased from 10,000 to 16,000 Taka |
| Bonus / Festival Allowance | None |
| Planned Action | Road blockades, further protests if unpaid |
| Political Support | BASAD District Coordinator Monisha Chakraborty |
Labour leader Saidul noted that the workers had met with the Chief Executive Officer of the City Corporation, who requested time to address the issue. However, until their demands are fully met, dissatisfaction and uncertainty persist among the workforce.
Monisha Chakraborty emphasised,
“Those who keep our city clean daily have had their rights eroded for decades. Even after years of service, they remain temporary staff. Now, even their small bonuses are being withheld. This will not be tolerated. Outstanding salaries and Eid bonuses must be paid immediately, or stronger actions will follow.”
This protest highlights the ongoing struggle of essential city workers, underscoring the urgent need to ensure fair remuneration and the right to celebrate festive occasions with dignity.