The Inter-Cadre Inequality Elimination Council, an organization of 25 cadre officers of the BCS, is observing a full-day strike today to protest against discriminatory temporary dismissals by the administration cadre and demand the elimination of inter-cadre discrimination. They have also demanded the withdrawal of the expulsion order issued to 12 officers of the 25 cadre for writing on Facebook.

Cadres of the Department of Livestock and the Department of Agricultural Extension were seen taking a stand at Khamarbari in the capital around 11:30 am on Sunday (March 2). In addition, the top official of the education cadre, Director General of the Department of Secondary and Higher Education, Professor Muhammad Azad Khan, was also seen participating in the protest. As part of the strike, officers wearing black badges took a stand in front of various departments. As a result, the normal work of the departments is being disrupted.

Senior Scientific Officer of the Department of Livestock AKM Baharul Islam Talukder said, “While we are systematically protesting for these three demands – elimination of cadre discrimination, equality of all cadres and cadres having their own ministry – many of our officials have been dismissed, in protest of which we are observing a full-day strike today. This is not an anti-government movement. This is a movement to achieve our rights.

Earlier, yesterday, Saturday, the coordinator of the council, Mofizur Rahman, announced a full-day strike at Khamarbari in the capital. He said, those concerned will take steps to resolve the problem. If the problem is not resolved within a week, we will be forced to launch a strict program.”