Steps to make Rajshahi Jute Mills profitable

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the mill on Tuesday with State Minister for Jute Lutfor Rahman Khan Azad in the chair, sources said.

It was attended by, among others, Jute Secretary ASM Abdul halim, BJMC Acting Chairman Mujibur Rahman, RJM Project Chief Abdul Maleque and officials concerned.

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The state minister said the mill can be made profitable by utilising its existing machinery, without any more government funds.

He said one more production unit will be added to the mill by installing 250 looms from now-closed Adamjee Jute Mills as early as possible to create employment for 2000 more people. This will enable the mill to earn Tk 30 crore in foreign exchange annually.

He said the factory could easily earn Tk 2 crore profit within the current financial year if it is run properly.

He blamed corruption in purchase of jute and other raw materials including chemicals, poor quality of product, negligence in duty, unionism and bad management for its present loss.

He laid CBA activities would not be allowed at the mill during working hours.

Lutfor Rahman called upon the mill management to put in their best to make the mill profitable for its survival.

According to official sources, the mill with 1308 workers and 227 staff including 49 officials has a production capacity of 28 metric tons per day.

The mill, set up on 49.02 acres of land in 1969, has also 7.20 acres of cultivable land.