Jute workers in Khulna staged road blockades for the third consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the unconditional withdrawal of the government’s ban on raw jute exports and compensation for workers who lost their jobs following the suspension of exports.
Under the banner of the Daulatpur Jute Press and Baling Workers’ Union, workers blocked a section of the Khulna-Jashore Highway from Rail gate to Daulatpur in the morning, causing severe traffic congestion and leaving vehicles stranded on both sides of the road.
A large number of women also joined the demonstrations, participating in protest marches and highway blockades in support of the workers’ demands. The blockade was withdrawn after nearly one hour.
The protesting workers said the Ministry of Textiles and Jute imposed a ban on raw jute exports on September 8 last year, leading to widespread unemployment among press and baling workers in Khulna and Narayanganj.
According to the workers, thousands of families dependent on the jute sector are facing severe financial hardship as work at jute press and baling centers has remained suspended for months.
The demonstrators also alleged that a recent notification issued by the ministry on May 17 reaffirmed that raw jute exports would remain prohibited, prompting them to intensify their movement.
The workers warned that protests would continue until the export ban is withdrawn and compensation measures are announced for affected laborers.
Photo Courtesy by : sayalwaystruth.com
