The workers of Barapukuria coal mine in Dinajpur continued their demonstrations for the second consecutive day on Thursday at the entrance of the coal mine to press home their two-point demand including payment of eight months’ arrears.
On Wednesday, the workers along with their families staged demonstrations urging the authorities to allow the workers to return to work and pay their due wages before Eid-ul-Fitr.
Also Read - Barapukuria coal mine workers issue 72-hour ultimatum for payment
The workers have been holding different programs since March to press home their demands.
Meanwhile, another 400 workers who have been working locked inside the mine compound due to the Covid situation for the last two years were staging demonstrations from inside to allow them to work in normal schedule, coming from home.
Robiul Islam Robi, president of Barapukuria Coal Mine Miners' and Workers' Union, said that around 1100 local miners excavate coal from the mine under three Chinese contractor companies– CMC, XMC and JXMC.
“Of them, 700 were supposed to get monthly Tk4,000 each as allowance during their lay off due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, in the last eight months, they neither received any allowances nor were allowed to rejoin work.
“Meanwhile, the contracting companies forced 400 workers to stay inside the mine and work without allowing them to meet their families,” he added.
Abu Sufian, general secretary of the workers’ union, complained that the administration and the mine authority have not taken any steps yet to resolve the crisis.
