Auditors block road, cops struggle to control situation
The demonstration, which began around 11:30am, severely disrupted traffic in the area for nearly four hours, causing significant distress to commuters
The agitating officials block the road in front of the Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh office at Kakrail in the capital on 22 September 2024. Photo: Rajib Dhar
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The agitating officials block the road in front of the Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh office at Kakrail in the capital on 22 September 2024. Photo: Rajib Dhar
More than 200 auditors staged a protest on Sunday (22 September), blocking the road in front of the Auditor General and Comptroller’s Office in Kakrail, demanding the elimination of salary disparities among officers of the same grade.
The demonstration, which began around 11:30am, severely disrupted traffic in the area for nearly four hours, causing significant distress to commuters.
The protest was fueled by long-standing grievances over the lack of promotions for most of the 2,500 officials working in the 11th grade under the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Protesters claimed that many have been denied promotions for an extended period, despite a court directive calling for action. The authorities have yet to implement this directive, and the protesters have vowed not to leave the road until their demands are met.
Later, the police used a water cannon at the protesting officials and dispersed them from the busy road.
Following the dispersal, the protesters held a press conference at the National Press Club, where they issued an ultimatum. They announced that if a government order (GO) addressing their demands is not issued by Sunday night, they will begin a sit-in in front of the audit building starting Monday.
During the visit, it was found that RAB and army personnel were deployed at the main gate of the Comptroller General’s Office, while about 50 police officials stood on one side of the road.
Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Jahan repeatedly urged the protesters to clear the road, but they refused, insisting they would not leave until their demands were met.
Later, DMP’s Crime and Operations Joint Commissioner Shaminur Rahman arrived, but the protesters ignored his requests as well.
By 3pm, DMP Additional Commissioner Israfil Hawladar arrived and led the police in using water cannons to disperse the protesters.
When questioned about the use of water cannons, Additional Commissioner Israfil Hawladar declined to comment.
During the protest, DC (Ramna Zone) Sarwar had asked the protesters to clear the street within five minutes. After the deadline passed, he repeatedly ordered the police officials to use force, but they refrained.
Frustrated, DC Sarwar rebuked the police officials for not complying with his order and was later overheard telling someone on the phone, “They are not listening to me, sir.”
Shortly after, DMP Joint Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Shaminur Rahman arrived at the scene, but even in his presence, the police did not resort to force.
Several officers on-site told this reporter that they were reluctant to use force, citing the difficult circumstances they faced following orders from superiors on 5 August.
Attempts to reach Ramna Zone DC Sarwar Jahan for comment were unsuccessful, and DMP Commissioner Mainul Hasan was also unavailable to comment on the overall situation.
