The government can modernise the 25 jute mills with only Tk 12.5 billion to ‘run them properly’, instead of Tk 50 billion estimated for worker compensations, said the leaders. The government initiated a plan to modernise the loss-making jute sector and turn into a production-oriented industry under the private-public partnership. As part of the plan, the government decided to shut down production at state-owned jute mills after making full payments to workers. The shutdown will send about 25,000 workers into early retirement under a scheme, euphemistically called a golden handshake. The decision came at a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread unrest among jute mill workers over the government's decision to shut the loss-making mills.

Source: bd News24 July 05, 2020 08:26 UTC