Ex-GP employees demand Tk 10cr each to settle dues dispute

Former officers and employees of Grameenphone (GP) have demanded a negotiated settlement of Tk 10 crore for each eligible beneficiary to resolve a 16-year-old dispute over delayed 5 per cent profit-sharing dues.

They made the demand at a protest rally organised by the Grameenphone 5 per cent Delayed Dues Recovery Unity Council in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday. Former workers, employees and affected beneficiaries took part in the programme. 

The council claimed that the legal claim had increased substantially over the years under the compound-interest provisions of the Labour Act, putting the total calculated outstanding amount at Tk 33,147 crore.

Acknowledging that recovering the full amount would be difficult, the former employees proposed Tk 10 crore for each eligible beneficiary as a negotiated, post-tax settlement.

The council estimated that such a settlement could generate up to Tk 13,500 crore in tax revenue for the government.

The protesters demanded immediate payment of the dues, protection of workers’ legal rights and an end to the long-running dispute.

They said they were not seeking charity or favours, but a transparent, fair and speedy settlement of their legal dues in accordance with existing laws, government notifications and court proceedings.

The speakers said Grameenphone was an important multinational company linked to foreign investment and contributed to the economy, employment and technological development. At the same time, they said, investor companies must comply with the country’s laws, protect workers’ legal rights and maintain responsible industrial relations.

According to information presented by the protesters, around 3,360 Bangladeshi workers had lost their jobs at different stages. They said the impact had extended to the workers’ families, affecting education, healthcare, housing, debt repayment and future financial security.

The protesters said they had been holding peaceful and democratic programmes since December 2, 2024, and would continue their movement until their demands were met.

They urged all concerned parties to resolve the dispute through discussions and reach a transparent, lawful, tax-compliant and time-bound settlement.