Jute Mill Workers Block Dhaka-Khulna Highway

Workers of nine state-run jute mills in Khulna blocked Dhaka-Khulna highway, halting vehicular movement on the road this morning.

The agitating workers went into the demonstration on the fifth consecutive day of their fast-unto-death program today to press home their 11-point demand, reports our Khulna correspondent.

The demands include implementation of the 2015 wage commission award and timely payment of wages.

The jute mill workers blocked the highway near the BM College at Notun Rasta in the city around 11:00am, halting vehicular movement on the road from both sides.

After taking position on the highway, they told the police that they will withdraw it after a while.

When contacted, leaders of the workers said they are on way to Dhaka to attend a meeting with the jute minister at Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) in the afternoon.

During their fast-unto-death, 977 workers fell sick so far. Seventeen of them were taken to different hospitals including Khulna Medical College Hospital, the leaders said.