Sunamganj Correspondent: The Roads and Highways Workers Union held a human chain and protest rally on Sunday morning in front of the Roads and Highways Department office in Sunamganj, demanding resolution of long-standing issues affecting master roll employees. The demonstration was organized by the union’s central executive committee and focused on finalizing policies related to 27 legal cases, including the inclusion of seven specific cases.
Union leaders voiced their concerns over salary irregularities and the lack of job regularization for master roll workers. Speakers at the event included Md. Mashiur Rahman, President of the Sunamganj District Chapter of the Roads and Highways Workers Union, General Secretary Nazmul Hasan, and Advisor Sudip Chandra Das. Senior Vice President Obaidur Rahman, member Kabir, and other union representatives were also present.
The protest centered around seven key demands, including the finalization of pension policies from the date of initial appointment for workers involved in the 27 and 7 legal cases, monthly salary payments under the designated government code, and the immediate transfer of master roll employees to the revenue sector with relaxed age and educational requirements. The union also called for the permanent appointment and promotion of third and fourth-class workers based on merit, the exclusion of master roll workers from the 2025 temporary labor policy, and the restructuring of the organizational framework in consultation with trade union representatives. Additionally, they demanded the creation of a comprehensive database for workers in development projects and the cessation of vehicle rentals through vendors.
Speakers emphasized that despite repeated appeals to higher authorities, their demands have not been addressed. They noted that over 3,000 workers received favorable verdicts from the High Court in 2019, yet implementation remains stalled. Many of these workers have been serving since before the country’s independence, and the majority are still on master roll status without job security.
The union announced a three-day continuous protest as per central directives. They plan to submit a memorandum to the Chief Engineer through the District Commissioner on October 23, followed by another to the Secretary on October 26. Leaders affirmed that the movement will continue until their demands are met.