‘Reinstate us or restore our pension benefits’

A group of armed forces personnel dismissed under the previous government yesterday called for reinstatement or the restoration of their pension benefits.

At a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters Unity, former personnel from the army, navy, and air force urged their respective service chiefs to consider their plea for a general amnesty and fair treatment.

They said if their demands were not met within the next seven working days, they would be compelled to go on a hunger strike along with their families.

The speakers alleged that under the previous government, many officers and employees from different government agencies lost their jobs due to internal power struggles and political favouritism.

They claimed they were among those unjustly dismissed as a result of such circumstances.

"We respectfully appeal to our respective chiefs to grant a general pardon for past mistakes and reinstate us in service or at least provide due pension benefits," said Md Hanzala, a former soldier at the army.

Speakers mentioned that on September 15, 2024, they submitted formal applications, outlining their demands. Despite repeated appeals over the last nine months, they said, no action has been taken.

The dismissed personnel cited the example of recently reinstated police officers who had also lost their jobs under the previous regime.

"Many of us were wrongfully accused based on fabricated allegations and are now living in dire conditions with our families," said Ali Raza, a former sergeant at the air force.

"We were trained to serve the country, we just want the opportunity to do so again," he added.