Tension mounts as layoff extended
Jute workers firm on rail-road barricade today
Tension mounted in Atra Industrial Area here yesterday following extension of layoff period of Alim Jute Mill for more 15 days for the sixth time with effect from today.
A large number of security forces were deployed in and around the mill as the laid off workers expressed their determination to begin their indefinite road and rail blockade programme from today to press home their demands for payment of all arrears and withdrawal of the layoff notice.
Workers demonstrated in front of the main gate of the mill from 10 am to 11-30 am which was followed by a rally from where CBA leaders warned the management of the dire consequences in case of using security forces any more to curb their agitation of what they termed as hungry laid off workers.
The rally was attended by members of families of the laid off workers covering their heads with pieces of white clothes indicating their readiness to go for self-immolation if situation forces them to do so.
A meeting was organised by Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) commissioner Mainur Rahman Chowdhuy at Khanjahan Ali Police Station Thursday night. Combined Bargaining Agent (CBA) leaders and project director of Alim Jute Mill were present at the meeting.
The meeting which continued from 8 pm to 11-30 pm ended in fiasco as the CBA leaders stuck to their decision for observing the blockade programme from today until reopening of the mill and full payment of their arrears.
Meanwhile, many workers already moved out of the labour colony fearing arrest and action by security forces.
The project director of the mill, Monwer Hossain also sifted his family from the mill area 'out of panic'. He admitted to shifting his family yesterday afternoon.
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