Rural Power Employees Launch Strong Protest at Central Shaheed Minar 

Inextricably linked to the daily lives of people in remote areas, officials and employees of the Rural Power Department have been unwavering in their ongoing protest demanding long-standing grievances. Starting from May 21, their sit-in has entered its fifth day, with the workers gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. They have announced that their movement will continue until their demands are met, aiming to ensure the smooth supply of electricity and improve working conditions.

The protesters are primarily focused on the implementation of seven key demands. Foremost among these is the introduction of a uniform employment policy for Rural Power Department workers to ensure a stable and transparent working environment. They also demand the removal of the REB chairman, whom they accuse of creating an oppressive and unlawful work atmosphere. Additionally, they call for the merger of REB and PDB, or similar restructuring of other distribution companies across the country, to streamline operations.

Other major demands include regularization of jobs for meter readers, line workers, and subordinate staff, as well as reinstatement of those who have been unfairly terminated. They emphasize that immediate action should be taken to cancel all harassment and transfer orders, and that affected employees should be promptly reassigned to their original positions.

The workers also highlight the need for adequate staffing to provide emergency services, advocating for international standards in shift scheduling and working hours. Furthermore, until comprehensive reforms are implemented, they demand the formation of an interim board to oversee ongoing operations.

The protesting employees have made it clear that if their demands are not addressed, they will continue their movement. They see this struggle not just as a fight for job security but as an essential part of improving the nation’s overall quality of life. Their demonstration sends a strong warning to authorities: the commitment to inclusive employment, transparent work environments, and the protection of public resources must be upheld.

This ongoing protest embodies a resolute call for accountability and reforms, emphasizing that the interests of the country’s marginalized populations are inseparable from the workers’ fight for justice. The movement will persist until their demands are fully realized.