Starting Friday morning, 287 temporary workers of Dinajpur’s Barapukuria coal mine have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding permanent employment. Since February 23, they had been observing a work stoppage as part of a nationwide movement led by the Central Outsourcing Workers’ Welfare Council. Their five-point demands include eliminating wage discrimination, implementing annual increments, receiving Baishakhi allowances, overtime and festival bonuses, as well as paid casual and maternity leave. Seeing no visible progress on their demands, they have escalated their protest. The workers allege that despite serving for 15-20 years, they remain temporary employees, facing discrimination in salaries and benefits.