Cleaners employed under Kushtia Municipality went on a work stoppage Sunday (July 13), protesting long-standing neglect, discrimination, and wage disparity. As a symbolic act of protest, they piled garbage in front of the municipal building to highlight their daily hardships.

Around 480 cleaners joined the strike with three key demands: wage increase, timely payment, and a respectful working environment. They said they are paid only BDT 275 per day, despite doing hazardous, unhygienic work—while day laborers in other sectors often earn BDT 500 or more.

One worker, Badol, said, “I make BDT 8,700 a month. By the end of the month, I can’t tell whether to eat or repay debts. There’s no bonus. And if I miss a day, they deduct my pay.”

Rashed, another cleaner, said, “The municipality doesn’t even treat us like humans. We’ve asked many times, but no one listens. That’s why we’re protesting now.”

Another worker, Jibon, shared that they have been requesting a pay raise for eight months, but have only received empty promises.

Biki Dash alleged they are even being threatened to stay out of protests, but added, “We’re not afraid. We’ll continue until our demands are met.”

Another cleaner, Jhontu, said they submitted formal memorandums to both the Labor Department and the District Commissioner, but no concrete action has been taken.

Later in the day, following assurance from municipal officials, workers temporarily called off the strike and removed the garbage from the main gate.

Municipal Executive Officer Mehedi Hasan said, “There has been a misunderstanding. We already have plans to raise their wages starting July. Talks have taken place, and steps will be taken soon to meet their demands.”