UNB, Khulna
State-run jute mills of Khulna region are on the verge of closure as production has decreased by about fifty percent due to shortage of raw jute. Sources concerned said that the production of Alim Jute Mill at Atra industrial area came to a halt for shortage of raw jute. Besides, the unpaid dues of the workers and employees of the mill have stood at Tk 2.51 crore.
In Crescent Jute Mill 50/52 tonnes of jute goods are being produced per day against the target of 85 tonnes. The raw jute stock may keep the mill running hardly for 5 days, sources at the mill said today (Friday). The dues of the workers and employees of the mill have reached at about Tk 2.80 crore. In Platinum Jute Mill per day production at present is 34/35 tonnes against the target of 66 tonnes.
The outstanding dues of the workers and employees have stood at Tk 6.70 crore. The mill may continue production for 6 more days with the current stock of raw jute. Besides, the stock of raw jute in Star Jute Mill may keep the mill running for three days, Eastern Jute Mill for five days, JJI Jute Mill for nine days.
Sources said the production in the jute mills may come to a halt at any time if money is not allocated for purchasing raw jute immediately and dues of workers and employees are not paid. Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) secretary M Fazlul Haq said Jute Minister, Industries Minister and Labour & Employment Minister would visit Khulna industrial area in the current month to take necessary measures in this regard.
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
