Sirajul Islam Shishir:

Saidur Rahman Bachchu, Secretary General of District BNP and Member of Central BNP’s Executive Committee threatened for a tougher movement, if the Qaumi Jute Mills in Sirajganj is not reopened soon along with other proposed mills.

He came up with the remarks, while addressing a press conference at a restaurant in the town at around 12:00pm on Monday.

He said in the press conference that, Sirajganj is a district, where huge quantity of jute is produced each year. But, farmers in the region are deprived of fair prices of jutes due to closure of Qaumi Jute mill for long time. The Awami League government has destroyed the country’s economy by shutting down several mills and industries one after another. As a result, thousands of workers in those mills and factories have become unemployed. They are now leading miserable life along with their family members. Consequently, the jobless people especially youths are getting engaged in different crimes like killing, robbery and kidnapping. Many are taking drugs and even running drug trades deceiving the law enforcers. In this circumstance, the criminal activities are increasing day by day in the town.

To get rid from the clutch of such unemployment, the interim government should take immediate steps to resume the operation of Qaumi Jute Mills in Sirajganj.

Bachchu welcomed the decision of the interim government to ban polythene bag from the kitchen market.

“This time, people need alternative like jute sacks. To increase the use of jute products, there is a need of resumption of Qaumi Jute Mills operation,” he added.

Organizing Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Pat Shramik Dal’s Central Committee and former President of Qaumi Jute Mills Worker Association Anwar Hossain Talukdar, acting President of District Sramik Dal Bisha Sheikh, General Secretary Abdul Wahab, Organizing Secretary Monir Hossain and Organizing Secretary of District Electric Mistri Sramik Union Abu Hanif Sheikh among others were also present in the conference.