Summary:
- Dhaka police used water cannons to disperse government employees marching toward the chief adviser’s residence during a protest demanding 50% dearness allowance and pay-scale reforms.
- Protesters from the Government Employees’ Demand Implementation Unity Council outlined seven demands, including elimination of pay disparities and pension system revisions.
- A seven-member delegation was later escorted for negotiations after the Shahbagh clash, following hours of demonstrations at Central Shaheed Minar.
- The protest highlights rising public-sector discontent amid Bangladesh’s 18.7% inflation and delayed wage reforms.
Dhaka police deployed water cannons to break up a protest march by government employees demanding higher allowances and pay reforms on Friday afternoon. The demonstration, organized by the Government Employees’ Demand Implementation Unity Council, turned confrontational near Shahbagh intersection as protesters attempted to march toward the chief adviser’s Yamuna residence.
The clash occurred at approximately 2:30 PM after hundreds of employees gathered at Central Shaheed Minar earlier in the day. Authorities blocked the procession at Shahbagh, triggering a standoff. Police dispersed the crowd using water cannons when protesters tried to push past barricades. A seven-member delegation was later escorted to Yamuna for negotiations with officials.
Key Demands
Protesters outlined seven demands, including:
- Immediate 50% dearness allowance for grades 11–20 employees retroactive to January 2025
- Elimination of pay disparities through a new ninth pay scale
- Restoration of three revoked time scales from the 2015 pay structure
- Pension reforms and 100% gratuity benefits for autonomous institutions
- Regular promotions and technical designations for specialized staff
Background
The protest reflects mounting frustration over stagnant wages amid Bangladesh’s 18.7% inflation rate, with demonstrators criticizing delayed pay reforms and unequal benefits. The unity council warned of escalating actions if demands remain unmet, citing “unbearable living costs” for public-sector workers.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the demands. Observers note the protest highlights broader economic pressures as the government balances fiscal constraints with public-sector expectations.
