Officers and employees at the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) are observing a work stoppage, demanding the resignation of the chairman and three commissioners.
Security forces have been seen stationed at the BSEC office, but officials have stated that their presence is unauthorized by the commission.
BSEC's Executive Director, Md Mahabubul Alam, announced that the work stoppage began on Thursday, following the failure of BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud and the commissioners to resign by Wednesday, as demanded. The work stoppage will continue until the Chairman and the commission members step down.
A visit to the BSEC office revealed that by 10:30 am, neither the Chairman nor any of the Commissioners had arrived. While BSEC officials and employees arrived on time, they were not working. Desks were left vacant, and no letters or documents were exchanged.
According to the BSEC Officers' Welfare Association, all officers are participating in the work stoppage. They are spending their time in discussions, walking around, and engaging in casual conversations. Additionally, they are checking on the condition and medical care of those injured during the baton charge on Wednesday.
In a press conference on Wednesday, the Executive Director of BSEC, on behalf of the Officers' Welfare Association, stated that there is growing frustration among BSEC officials and employees regarding the current commission. One of the main reasons for this dissatisfaction is the poor behavior of the commissioners, the repeated show-cause notices issued to officials during investigations into various companies, and the forced retirement of Executive Director Saiful Rahman, which was carried out without regard for rules and regulations.
He added that, in response, they had presented five demands to the BSEC Chairman and Commissioners. However, these demands were not accepted. Instead, the commission misinformed the army, calling them in to carry out a baton charge on the officials. As a result, six employees were injured.