Former police officers block roads in protest for job reinstatement

A group of former police officers, along with their families, took to the streets on Thursday, January 30, to protest outside the Education Building in Dhaka. 

The protest began around noon, when they blocked the road in a bid to bring attention to their ongoing struggle for job reinstatement.

Earlier in the morning, at around 11 AM, the protesters had started a march from the Dhaka University area. 

However, police intervened and set up a barricade in front of the Education Building, preventing them from advancing toward the Secretariat.

The protesters claim that they were dismissed during the tenure of the Awami League government, and they believe their jobs were taken away because of political retaliation. 

Family members of these ex-police officers have also joined the protest, adding to the growing crowd.

Shahbagh Police Station’s OC, Khalid Mansur, spoke to the media, saying that the dismissed officers were unlawfully removed from their posts under the Awami League government. 

He assured that efforts are being made to resolve the situation, and the road would be cleared soon. Meanwhile, a group of protesters entered the Secretariat to discuss their demands further.

The former officers made it clear that they were left with no option but to take their protest to the streets. 

They warned that if they do not get reinstated through an executive order, they will escalate their protests.

The protesters also mentioned that they had received assurances from former Home Affairs Advisor, Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, who promised that their jobs would be returned. 

Acting on this promise, they had temporarily suspended their protests. 

However, as time passed without any action, they have now decided to resume their fight for justice.