Jhenaidah, July 15 -- More than five decades after Bangladesh's independence, thousands of Extra Departmental (ED) employees of the government postal service are still waiting for official recognition as departmental staff.

Their long-standing grievances have now spilled over into a nationwide strike, disrupting mail delivery and causing inconvenience for customers awaiting important documents.

Since July 6, ED employees across the country, including around 300 workers in Jhenaidah district, have been observing an indefinite work stoppage, demanding higher pay and recognition as regular departmental employees.

The protest has effectively crippled operations at branch post offices, particularly in rural areas where ED workers form the b...