Outsourcing workers block Shahbagh causing traffic snarl
They issue a 15-day ultimatum to govt to nationalise their jobs
Several hundred outsourcing workers from various government institutions today (19 October) blocked Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection for around seven hours demanding the nationalisation of their jobs, causing severe traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, and subsequent suffering for commuters.
The workers gathered at the busiest intersection around 10am and started a demonstration demanding the nationalisation of their positions in government, autonomous bodies, and departmental institutions.
Later, following a meeting at the chief adviser's official residence Jamuna, Joint Secretary of the Bangladesh Outsourcing Employees Welfare Association, Rafiqul Islam withdrew the movement around 5:30pm.
He also issued a 15-day ultimatum to meet their demand.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
After the meeting, he told the media that they have been given assurance from the government that effective steps will be taken to solve their issues.
Meanwhile, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki expressed solidarity with the protesters by joining the demonstration around 2:30pm.
He also urged the interim government to promptly meet with the leaders of the Outsourcing Employees Welfare Association and eliminate discrimination.
Saki also called for assurances from the interim government to resolve the issue.
Around 4pm, a six-member delegation of the Bangladesh Outsourcing Employees Welfare Association went to the chief adviser's Jamuna residence, and around 5:30pm, they withdrew the blockade.
The blockade has caused severe traffic congestion in Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Newmarket and its surrounding areas, leading to severe traffic congestion across the city. In some areas, ambulances were seen taking alternative routes.
The roads from Science Lab to Shahbagh and from Paltan to Shahbagh came to a standstill, forcing many commuters to walk to their respective destinations.
One Rahima Begum, 35, a resident of Basila, came to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital to attend his mother's appointment with the doctor.
"The doctor's appointment ended around 12pm. Now it's almost 2pm, and we are uncertain about how to return home, as no vehicles are currently operating in the area," Rahima said.
Another individual, Imtiaz Ahmed, 28, came to the BIRDEM Hospital to see an ailing relative.
He said due to the traffic jam, he had to walk from Moghbazar to reach the hospital.
Shahbagh police station Officer-in-Charge AKM Shahabuddin Shahin said vehicular movement in Shahbagh returned to normal following the withdrawal of the blockade by the protesters.
