Future Uncertain for Dismissed Employees at Khulna EDCL; Allegations of Corruption and Nepotism Surface

Khulna, 2 September 2025 – Out of 81 permanent employees dismissed from Khulna’s Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL), only 10 have regained their jobs, leaving approximately 815 workers in fear of losing employment. Allegations of corruption and nepotism have drawn concern from civil society, which has described EDCL as a “lawless fiefdom.”

The dismissals occurred under the pretext of excessive workforce reduction at the Khulna plant. The affected employees claim that, in collusion with DGM Subhash Chandra Barman and Naushad Jaman, the company did not follow the “Last In, First Out” principle and dismissed deserving employees without prior notice.

As a new recruitment process begins, questions have also been raised about the transparency of the Ministry of Health. Dismissed female employees expressed concern about their children’s future, facing multiple difficulties. One woman claimed that she was offered an inappropriate proposal in Dhaka to regain her job.

Despite allegations of nepotism and corruption against DGM Subhash Chandra Barman, he has shown no interest in commenting. A representative from Khulna’s civil society stated, “EDCL has become a ‘lawless fiefdom’ due to arbitrary politics and illegal syndicates. The institution is being used as a political rehabilitation center, where party affiliates are appointed whenever the government changes.”

Dismissed employees are demanding swift justice and transparency, while a large segment of society continues to watch the situation with deep concern.