A group of protesters on Sunday alleged that a former Grameenphone employee died without access to treatment due to what they termed as corporate repression by the telecom operator.

Rajib Mahmud, a former territory officer in the sales department of Grameenphone, was reportedly terminated without justification in 2017. He passed away last week following a prolonged struggle with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), exacerbated by financial hardship. The company is accused of having withheld all financial benefits from him.

“Rajib Mahmud had been fighting for over 15 years to claim a 5% outstanding payment. Due to severe financial distress, he was deprived of even basic medical care,” said one protester during a demonstration in front of GP House in the capital’s Bashundhara Residential Area.

Speaking at the protest, platform convener Abu Sadat Mohammad Shoaib warned that former employees would launch a countrywide movement if Grameenphone fails to take appropriate action by 30 June.

He urged people from all walks of life to stand in solidarity with the deprived former employees to ensure justice. Among others, ex-employees Monwar Parvez, Mobashwer Ahsan, Adiba Jerin, and Sadia Afrin also spoke at the event.