DHAKA, Bangladesh - A group of dismissed employees from BRAC Bank staged a protest outside Bangla Academy on Thursday afternoon, blocking the car of Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. Their demonstration was held in front of the CMSME Women Entrepreneurs Fair, organized by Bangladesh Bank and taking place at the Bangla Academy premises. The protesters were demanding reinstatement to their jobs at the commercial bank.

As Governor Ahsan H Mansur was leaving Bangla Academy following the opening ceremony of the fair, the dismissed BRAC Bank employees obstructed his vehicle. They sat down in front of the governor's car, chanting slogans and displaying banners to voice their demands.

The situation escalated when some of the female protesters lay down in front of the car. Security personnel attempted to remove them, leading to pushing, shoving, and eventually a physical altercation. Ultimately, the security personnel forcibly removed the protesters, and the governor's car was able to leave the area.

The protesting employees claimed that they had diligently and honestly performed their duties in various departments of BRAC Bank for an extended period. They alleged that they were unfairly and forcibly dismissed without any prior notice, and that many others were coerced into resigning. This, they stated, has caused them severe mental distress and uncertainty, leading to a livelihood crisis and making it difficult for many to support their families.

The protesters further asserted that following complaints from approximately 300 dismissed employees, Bangladesh Bank conducted an investigation and issued an order for their reinstatement on August 12, 2024. However, they claimed that the BRAC Bank authorities have disregarded this directive, and to date, none of the dismissed employees have been reinstated.

END/MSS/RH/