From discrimination to collective action: Maksuda’s unwavering hope

By Tasneem Azim

In the bustling neighbourhood of Kotwali in the heart of Dhaka, Maksuda Khatun is more than just an accountant at Postal Life Insurance, General Post Office: she is a steadfast supporter of postal worker rights, which also includes women, who remain underrepresented. This side of her story is often overshadowed by systematic discrimination, adverse situations, and declining use of government postal services. 

She followed her father’s profession, inspired by his encouragement. “He informed me of this particular job opening, and I came out successful in the competitive exam. That’s how it all started.”

Maksuda’s entry into the workplace was filled with positive expectations, but she was met with a completely different reality—gender discrimination. It was one of the first things she saw, and newcomers, specifically women, were unduly accused during day-to-day operations. The experience led her to join the Bangladesh Postman and Dak Kormochari [Postal Worker] Union (BPDKU) and vow to fight for the rights of postal workers, particularly women.

The activities of her union consist of postal worker mobilization and strategic policy advocacy. The issues range from proper pay, including overtime, fringe benefits such as health, housing, transportation, and education benefits for their children, to policy dialogues that voice their interests in the development of the postal department. Beyond that, to build and sustain rapport, she involves her co-unionists in philanthropic activities, such as disaster relief and blood donations, as well as in cultural events to enjoy quality time together.

Since her union’s inception, it has been struggling against privatization, in light of reforms launched by the new government following the public uprising of July 2024. Whenever such rumours begin to circulate, the union's movement gains momentum once again. In this regard, the union has played a significant role in protecting the jobs of all working individuals and will continue to do so in the future. In addition to addressing field-level postal worker issues through her union, her most significant achievement was ensuring the permanent employment of 10,000 registered job candidates in government positions in 2015.

Her willingness to do good for her fellow women workers is what drives her to keep going. Subjected to endless negativity, she believes mental strength and self-confidence have no alternative. “I live fighting against that adverse environment in my workplace every day, despite anything. That, to me, is unique.”

New women workers are joining the sector, and the union can make use of new technology for surveys, documentation and campaign, support groups and programmes where women workers can learn about the existing law and policies and find ways to make innovative demands. Maksuda believes taking these initiatives will empower them, making the workplace more stable and positive for women workers. Meanwhile, Maksuda has put forward recommendations for female postal workers’ needs, like anti-harassment policies, a confidential complaint mechanism, flexible hours, gender sensitivity and leadership programmes, as well as counselling support and day care for children. 

Even with matters as they are, Maksuda is hopeful for a bright future. “There are youth who still show interest in entering this sector, with various skill sets in technology use. Using their knowledge will not only help in the protection of rights but will also bring the union to the forefront of more modern, digital, innovative, and effective movements. It can also contribute to the enhancement of the postal department's image and the quality of service.”

“We still hope the postal department will rise again if our rights are ensured.”