New jute initiative brings hope to jobless workers

"After the factory shutdown, many of us received compensation, while others did not. However, there has been no transparency regarding the allocation of funds. The majority of us are now jobless, leading to a struggle for survival. Who will give us jobs at this age? If we don't get jobs, how will our family survive?." This statement was made by Mosharraf Hossain (55), a worker who lost his job because of the shutdown of Crescent Jute Mill in Khulna.

Expressing frustration, he said, "When mills fail to supply jute as per demand, how will the production be? Instead of operating at full capacity with 500 machines, only 100 to 150 are in use, leaving the rest idle. This is not the fault of the workers. With a proper supply of jute, workers would be able to operate, leading to increased production and ultimately eliminating any losses."

Once, securing a job at a jute mill was akin to capturing a golden deer. Here, employees received salaries-bonuses, even when such incentives were not offered elsewhere. Many people dreamed of a colorful life around this job. In that dream, Masud Rana joined Rajshahi Jute Mill, while Salim Hossain secured a position at Bangladesh Jute Mills Limited in Ghorashal. However, they told 'Views Bangladesh' that, having lost their jobs, they opted for new professions. Nonetheless, the previous prosperity has not resurfaced.

Meanwhile, in March of this year, operations at Jahsore Jute Mill started under the name of Akij Jute Park, following a government lease agreement. Despite being under private supervision, workers are delighted to be back on the job. Many of them shared that they had been unemployed for over three years before this opportunity arose. With the factory up and running again, production is on the rise, bringing a sense of prosperity back to their families through regular salaries. They express hope that the government will facilitate the return of the remaining workforce to their jobs.

Ruhul Amin, a leader of the movement comprising jute mill workers in the Khulna region, believes that government initiatives are indispensable in alleviating the plight of this vital sector.

He said, "The industry holds significant potential, but its success depends largely on government support. While some private companies have begun investing in this sector and are performing well. However,
without adequate government initiative and support, business organizations will struggle to make significant advancements, hindering the expansion of the industry. Therefore, the government should take appropriate steps and initiatives to advance the industry with huge potential. And in that initiative, priority should be given to the workers who have lost their jobs."

Jute, once a major export product, has lost its luster. State-owned jute mills, one by one, have shuttered due to financial losses, leaving 25 thousand workers unemployed. Many of them remain without employment. The closure of these mills has brought calamity to the communities built around jute mills. The plight of this lucrative sector, which is directly and indirectly linked to the livelihood of 4 crore people, including farmers, raises questions again and again. However, the present government has prioritized this sector since assuming power in its new term. The Prime Minister herself has consistently advocated for the promotion of the jute industry. There is growing consensus that jute should be repositioned as a prominent alternative export product. From the workers within the jute industry to all stakeholders involved, there is a renewed sense of optimism and ambition for the future.

Regarding the government's plan, Syed Farooq Ahmed, the Deputy Director at the Jute Directorate and Deputy Project Director (Deputy Secretary), told Views Bangladesh, "Various initiatives are being implemented by the government in this sector to advance the jute industry. Measures are being undertaken to enhance the efficiency of jute mills through innovative approaches."

When asked about the government's stance on public-private partnership (PPP), he responded, "The reopening of government jute mills, which were closed in March 2020, will be conducted publicly. All plans are set to be implemented in the near future."

On June 30, 2020, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute shut down 25 state-owned jute mills by offering workers retirement through the Golden Handshake scheme, which took effect from July 1st of that year.