Raaz Mostafa

A human chain was formed in front of the gate no-1 at the National Jute Mills in Raipur of Sirajganj town on Tuesday demanding resumption of its operation.

The human chain was arranged with the initiative of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Shramik Dal and Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Pat (Jute) Shramik Dal, , Sirajganj District units.

The programme was followed by a rally with Anwar Hossain, Labour affairs Secretary of District BNP and former President of Jatio Jute Mills Mazdoor Union in the chair.

During the programme, Saidur Rahman Bachchu, General Secretary of district BNP attended as chief guest, while Acting President of district Shramik Dal Bisha Sheikh, General Secretary MA Wahab, Joint General Secretary Ariful Islam Rigan, Organizing Secretary Moniruzzaman Monir, General Secretary of CNG Shramik Union Jahidul Islam Liton among others were present in the event.

Speakers at the programme said, many people, who were earlier involved with the Jute Mills, have become jobless and have been leading inhuman life along with their family members due to lack of employment. Meanwhile, the interim government has taken initiative to reopen some Jute Mills in the country. Like others, we want resumption of National Jute Mills operation in Sirajganj.

Terming Sirajganj as a hub of jute, the demonstrators said, huge quantities of jutes are produced in the district. If the Jute Mills resumes operation, the local jute producers will get fair prices. Besides, the jobless workers will get job in the mills again. So, the demand of Sirajganj dwellers must be considered by the government. If the Jute Mill is not reopened, Sirajganj dwellers will go for tougher agitation in future, they warned.

The speakers also said, we appreciate the government decision on banning the polythene to protect the country’s environment. In this circumstance, there are needed jute products for using as its alternative. National Jute Mills in Sirajganj may play a vital role in this context, they said.

The demonstrators also urged the government to pay the dues of workers and resume production of the jute mills as soon as possible.