Khulna Jute Mills Workers’ Hunger Strike Continues

Workers of nine state-owned jute mills in Khulna and Jashore continued their fast-unto-death for the second consecutive day today as talks with the authority were not fruitful.

They are trying to force the government to accept their 11-point demand, including implementation of the wage commission and payment of regular wages.

About 50,000 workers of Star, Crescent, Alim, Platinum, Eastern, Daulatpur and Khalishpur jute mills in Khulna and JJI and Carpeting jute mills in Jashore took position in front of the mills and staged demonstrations.

The workers of these nine state-owned jute mills had gone on work abstention and observed fast-unto-death from December 10 to December 13.

Abdur Sattar, 55, a worker of Platinum Jute Mills, died at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) during the strike on December 12.

Later the workers postponed their hunger strike until December 17 upon assurance from the state minister for labor of fulfilling their demands.

On Friday, collective bargaining agents (CBAs) and non-CBA Songram Parishad leaders announced to resume hunger strike unto death from a meeting held in the city as the promise was not fulfilled.

The protesters’ demands include cancellation of public-private ownership of jute mills, allotting necessary fund for jute sector and others.