Twenty-five state-owned jute mills in different parts of the country were declared closed on June 30 last year under the Golden Handshake. Due to this, the controlling body of these mills, Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC), has no income at present. However, the mills, including the BJMC head office, have several responsibilities. And for the payment of these liabilities and management expenses, budget assistance of Tk. 1,265.40 crore has been sought in the budget of 2021-22 fiscal year. The Ministry of Textiles and Jute has recently written a letter to the Finance Secretary seeking the assistance. This information has been known from the sources of the Ministry of Finance.

Mohammad Abul Kalam, Additional Secretary (Textiles) and Secretary to the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, told NDC that most of the workers have been paid their dues when 25 jute mills were closed under the Golden Handshake. Even after this, the debts of some workers still remain. These were payments and BJMC had some liabilities, they have to be paid. In addition, some assistance may be required for future management costs. Therefore, allocation has been proposed in the next financial year.

Sunbd/NJ