A crucial meeting regarding the 5% delayed dues of 4000 beneficiaries as employees of Grameenphone Limited was held today, Monday, November 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the conference hall of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Representatives from the government and a delegation on behalf of the beneficiaries demanding the 5% pending payment were present at the meeting. Both parties discussed in detail the legitimacy and legal aspects of the issue.

Labour representatives present:

Abu Sadat Md. Shoaeb
Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury
S. M. Kamrul Hasan
Md. Saeedur Rahman
Fazlul Karim Prince

Government representatives present:

Ms. Fahmida Akter, NDC (Chair)
Mr. Mamunur Rashid, Director General, DIFE
Mr. Mamunur Rahman Sikder, Joint Secretary (Labour)
Ms. Tahmina Begum, Joint Secretary (Director, Central Fund)
Ms. Nilufar Yasmin, Deputy Secretary (Wage Board)

During the meeting, the labour representatives presented detailed documents and legal interpretations in support of their claim for the 5% delayed payment.

They pointed out that Grameenphone management had violated labour laws by coercively imposing an “undertaking” and paying only the principal amount for the period of 2010–2012, disregarding the court’s directives.

The government officials attentively listened to the workers’ side and stated that today’s discussion had clarified the factual and legal context of the issue. They assured that after examining all relevant documents, a separate meeting would also be held with the Grameenphone management, and further steps would be taken soon to ensure a fair and lawful resolution.

Following the meeting, a press briefing was held at 4:00 PM at the National Press Club. The summary of the discussion was shared, while over 300 former Grameenphone employees formed a peaceful human chain expressing solidarity with the demand for rightful 5% delayed payment.

Abu Sadat Md. Shoaeb, Convener of the Grameenphone 5% Delayed Dues Realization Unity Council, said: “Today we were able to present the truth. The government has taken the issue seriously. We believe this long-standing injustice will soon come to an end. Our movement is a movement for justice.”

Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury added:
“We hope the Department of Labour and the Ministry will now take effective action to resolve this long-pending matter that has been awaiting justice for over 15 years.”

S. M. Kamrul Hasan briefed the media about the detailed proceedings of the meeting.