Workers of the online grocery platform Chaldal staged a protest at the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding payment of long-overdue salaries and outstanding dues. Approximately 2,800 employees are reportedly affected by salary arrears, with several payments issued by cheque bouncing due to insufficient funds.

The demonstration followed a similar protest involving workers mainly from Jashore, who claimed they had not received salary payments for up to six months. Saiful Hasan Tushar, a former assistant director at Chaldal, stated that his salary payments became irregular beginning December of the previous year. He was subsequently terminated without prior notice and received a cheque for 514,000 takas that was dishonored upon clearance.

Chaldal’s management proposed paying only 10 to 14 percent of the overdue basic salaries initially, excluding gratuity and other benefits. In contrast, protesting employees demanded an upfront payment of 60 percent of the amount owed, with the remaining balance settled within one month.

The company has repeatedly assured workers that arrears would be cleared, but according to employees, these commitments have yet to be fulfilled. As a result, workers have called for government intervention to resolve the ongoing impasse.

In response, Chaldal CEO Waseem Alim acknowledged the company is facing an unprecedented liquidity crisis that has caused significant difficulties. He stated that management is actively collaborating with employees and relevant stakeholders to address the issue, noting that payments have been made to many employees and some have accepted settlements.

The recent protests highlight the persistent challenges Chaldal faces regarding timely salary payments and financial stability amid its operational difficulties.