Background
In 2010, a government order sought to extend the applicability of the scope of the Workers’ Profit Participation Fund (WPPF) to mobile network operators. Given ambiguities, Grameenphone (GP) challenged this order before the High Court, and the matter remained under judicial consideration until 2023.
In 2013, following amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, the law then clearly included mobile operators and expanded the definition of beneficiaries. Since 2013, GP has regularly contributed to the WPPF through a Board of Trustees (BoT) established in line with the law.
The 2010 – 2012 Principal WPPF Payment
The status of the 2010–2012 WPPF obligations remained unresolved while the court case was pending. By 2014, employee expectations and operational pressures had grown regarding the 2010 - 2012 WPPF. To address this, GP, in consultation with the Grameenphone People’s Council (GPPC) and the BoT, sought permission from the High Court to transfer the 2010-12 principal amount to the BoT, which was allowed by the Court.
Following this:
- GP transferred the 2010 – 2012 principal WPPF amount to the BoT.
- Employees, through a resolution from their representative council GPPC, agreed not to pursue claims for interest due to legal uncertainty.
- Each recipient signed the necessary documents, including a formal deed of undertaking, acknowledging this position.
- In total, over 4,300 employees received their portion of 2010 - 2012 WPPF, while a small group decided not to partake in this process.
Current Status
Despite these undertakings, some former employees of Grameenphone continue to pursue additional claims. They have filed cases at the Labour Court, primarily relating to interest on the disbursement. These claims are pending before the courts, and the matter is sub-judice.
Our Position
- Grameenphone has consistently complied with the law and has regularly contributed to the WPPF since 2013.
- The 2010 – 2012 principal WPPF was paid following Court approval and employees’ voluntary undertakings, in the best interest of employees and to ensure timely resolution.
- The current interest claims are sub-judice and will be decided by the Court.
- Grameenphone has full respect for the judicial process and will act responsibly in line with the final outcome.
- The company values the contributions of its employees, past and present, and remains committed to fairness, compliance, and transparency.
