Janata Jute Mills in Narsingdi shuts following workers’ unrest
The mill authorities issued a notice of closure today
Janata Jute Mills Ltd in Narsingdi's Palash upazila, a concern of AkijBashir Group, has been shut down indefinitely following an attack, vandalism, and looting, allegedly carried out by agitated workers.
The mill authorities issued a notice of closure on Saturday, asking all workers not to go to the mill until further notice.
CEO of the mill, Helal Uddin, told The Business Standard that on 2 September the workers started a demonstration to press an 11-point demand, including a salary hike.
He said the workers demanded a threefold rise in their current pay structure. However, with the intervention of the Army, they were convinced to return to their duties.
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Later, on 5 September, the officials of AkijBashir Group held a meeting with the workers and formed a committee to increase their salary and allowance. However, right after the meeting, the workers launched an attack on the factory at the instigation of outsiders, said the CEO.
He said the factory sustained significant damage, and Tk70 lakh was looted during the attack. Consequently, the owners were compelled to shut it.
According to the authorities concerned, during the attack, the mill's administrative building, labour office, security office, guest house, and other office rooms were vandalised and looted.
Six security guards were injured in the incident.
Later, upon receiving the news, members of the police, RAB, and the Army arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
However, the closure notice, signed by the mills' General Manager Md Moitur Rahman, stated that eligible workers would get their wages following the labour law and regulations.
The closure announcement came as a shock to many who have been working at the mill for years and living in its colony.
"All of a sudden, the mill has been closed and we are driven out," said an elderly worker, who said he has been living in the area for 43 years.
He said he was asked to leave the colony by around 3pm on Saturday.
"The mill has been closed, but we are yet to get our due payments. Moreover, when the mill will reopen is uncertain."
A woman worker broke down in tears. She said, "I have been working at this mill for 20 years. Now that the mill is closed, and we are driven out, how will we survive?"
