Labour court orders Bangladesh Post to pay journalist Tk11.88 lakh in unpaid dues

The Third Labour Court in Dhaka has ordered English-language daily Bangladesh Post to pay journalist Ehsanul Haque Jasim 11,88,328 taka in outstanding salaries and other dues.

In a verdict delivered on 26 October, the court directed the newspaper's authorities, editor and publisher to pay the amount within 30 days. It also warned that legal action could follow if the payment is not made within the stipulated timeframe.

The verdict was delivered by Chairman of the Third Labour Court in Dhaka A Salam Khan, also a senior district and sessions judge. The full verdict was made public on Sunday (November 8).

Advocate Maruf Hossain, Counsel for the plaintiff, and journalist Ehsanul Haque Jasim confirmed the verdict.

According to court records, Jasim worked at Bangladesh Post from 2018 to 2024. Despite leaving the organisation after resigning through the proper procedure, he was not paid several months' outstanding salary and other dues.

Jasim subsequently sent letters by registered post to the newspaper authorities on 13 March and 12 May 2025, demanding payment of his outstanding dues. After receiving no response, he filed a case with the labour court seeking recovery of the amount.

Advocate Maruf Hossain expressed hope that the newspaper authorities would respect the court's decision and settle the dues within the stipulated timeframe. Otherwise, the plaintiff would pursue further legal steps after the deadline expires.

Bangladesh Post is published by Sikder Group, whose director Rick Haque Sikder is the newspaper's publisher.