State-owned jute mill workers protest in Sirajganj

Workers of the state-owned National Jute Mill in Sirajganj have staged a demonstration protesting the government's decision to shut down all state-run jute mills and lay off 25,000 workers.

Hundreds of workers halted production and took part in a sit-in demonstration before the main gate of the factory for two hours from 9:30am till 11:30am on Wednesday.

Auranga Aziz Swapan, president of Jatiya Sramik League (National Jute Mill unit), presided over the protest programme, during which he addressed the protesting workers. 

He said: “The jute ministry and the BJMC called us in Dhaka and informed us that all 25 state-owned jute mills would be shut down in phases over the next two months. This sudden decision comes at a time when around three crore lives depending on the jute industry are struggling to survive in the Covid-19 pandemic.  

“Currently, the National Jute Mill is turning a profit but is failing to capture the market properly. The mill workers and employees aren’t to blame for the situation.” 

“Instead of using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to shut down the factory, I urge Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to find a way of revitalizing the industry.”

The protests would continue until the government reversed its current decision. Otherwise, he warned, rigorous programs would be launched across the country..