Govt allocates Tk 1.69b to pay jute mills workers

The government on Monday allocated Tk 1.69 billion to pay salaries and arrears of the state-owned jute mills workers ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

The finance ministry allocated the amount as an operation loan. The payment has to be completed through bank accounts of workers, according to a press release of the ministry of textile and jute.

The move comes following the countrywide demonstrations by jute mills workers for around two months to press home their nine-point demand, including payment of their due wages.

According to a letter of the finance ministry sent to the ministry of textile and jute, the loan amount must be paid within 20 years bearing five percent interest through installments. One installment must be paid in every six months.

In this regard, the letter said, the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) has to sign a loan agreement with the economic division.

The money allocated Monday can be only used for the payment of salaries and arrears of jute mills workers, the letter added.