Chaldal employees stage demo in Jashore over unpaid wages

Over 800 employees of e-commerce platform Chaldal.com staged a demonstration at the Jashore Software Technology Park on Monday, demanding payment of three months’ outstanding wages.

The protest began around noon inside the IT park, where the company operates its call centre on the 12th and 14th floors. 

The protester gathered outside the park and attempted to enter the park but authorities closed the main gate. They later later vandalised the gate, leaving at least two employees injured, according to witnesses.

Employees alleged that despite maintaining regular attendance, the park authorities failed to provide them salaries of the past three months. Many of the workers are students in Jashore who rely on part-time employment at the call centre to cover educational and living expenses.

They further claimed that when they sought payment of their dues, some were harassed and instructed to resign. 

A number of employees alleged that their official call centre mobile phones were confiscated during the confrontation. They also claimed that several colleagues were removed from their positions after demanding payment ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Workers said each employee is owed between Tk 20,000 and Tk 50,000. They threatened to intensify their protests until their demands were met.

Mohammad Shahajalal, general secretary of the IT park’s Investors’ Association, said that representatives visited the site after learning of the unrest. 

He termed the prolonged delay in salary payments “unfortunate” and said efforts were underway to facilitate discussions between park authorities and company management.

Acknowledging the salary backlog, Abhijit Sarkar, assistant director of Chaldal.com, said that they are trying to resolve the issue through holding discussion with the higher management.

Kazi Babul Hossain, investigation officer of Jashore Kotwali Model Police Station, said that police responded to the incident to maintain order and assist in resolving the dispute.

The situation remained tense but under control as of Monday evening, the police official said.

Milon Rahman/MHK