Outsourcing employees block Shahbagh demanding job nationalisation

Outsourcing employees of government institutions have launched a protest by blocking the road in Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, demanding the nationalisation of their jobs.

The protest halted vehicle movement in the neighbourhood surrounding the Shahbagh intersection, causing severe traffic congestion, reports bdnews24.com.

The outsourcing workers kicked off the protest by blocking the road at 10am on Saturday.

The employees of various government agencies have been demonstrating for a long time demanding the abolition of the outsourcing policy and the nationalisation of jobs by relaxing the age limit and retaining those appointed through outsourcing and working daily basis and in projects.

The protesters had gathered at the scene and began to chant slogans against discrimination, halting traffic from the capital’s Science Lab, Matsya Bhaban and Bangla Motor to Shahbagh.

Many bus passengers were seen to leave the vehicles and walk to their destinations at the time.

Shahbagh Police Station chief Khalid Mansoor told bdnews24.com, "Outsourcing workers of different institutions have taken up a position at Shahbagh intersection demanding job nationalisation. They are blocking the road.

"As a result, traffic on the road has been disrupted. However, a gridlock was witnessed in Shahbagh and its adjoining areas. We are talking to the protesters and trying to bring the situation under control. "