Foresters and forest guards formed a human chain in Chattogram today, demanding long-overdue promotions.

The protest, organised by the Bangladesh Forester and Forest Guard Promotion Implementation Struggle Committee, took place in front of the Forest Office in Nandankanan around 3:00pm.

More than 300 forest officers and staff participated in the demonstration. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their movement, including enforcing a work abstention programme.

"Foresters and forest guards have been carrying out high-risk duties in remote and isolated areas, safeguarding forests, wildlife, and nature. Yet, we have been denied promotions for many years, some for 20 to 25 years," said Jasim Uddin, a forest guard.

Sarwar Zahan, one of the organisers, said the authorities were given a one-month deadline on March 6 to resolve the issue. As no step was taken, they were compelled to initiate the protest.

Alongside the human chain, the protesting staff also announced a series of upcoming programmes, including the symbolic return of all firearms and ammunition to the department, sit-in strikes at regional forest offices, and, if necessary, a siege of the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on May 15.

They further warned of launching an indefinite hunger strike until their promotion demands are met.