TDS Desk:

Officials of Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) on Saturday formed a human chain in front of the bank’s head office in Motijheel, protesting against discrimination in promotion.

The event was organised by the bank’s Grade-10 officers, who voiced concerns over ongoing disparities in career advancement.

Addressing the occasion, the officials said, “Discrimination in promotion has been a persistent issue at Bangladesh Krishi Bank. While Grade-9 and above officers receive regular promotions, Grade-10 officers face significant delays.”

They said, “Despite constituting more than half of the bank’s total workforce, Grade-10 officers experience longer waiting periods for promotions compared to their peers in other grades. According to current practices, Grade-10 officers must wait seven to eight years for advancement, whereas officers in other grades are promoted every three years.”

“Officials further said, “Out of the bank’s 10,027 staff, more than 5,000 are Grade-10 officers. They play a crucial role in the bank, but they are unfairly denied timely promotions,” the officials added.

According to sources at Bangladesh Krishi Bank, senior officers are promoted to chief officer positions within three years, with similar timelines for subsequent ranks up to assistant general manager. Although the 2008 regulations specify similar provisions for Grade-10 officers, these are not being implemented.