Lockout in Popular Jute Mills in Sarishabari

The announcement followed the attack on Kazi Ilyias Zaman, project manager of the mill and alleged damage of mill property by workers on Thursday.

The lock-out notice signed by mill Manager Moshiur Rahman at its Dhaka office was hung on the mill gate in Sarishabari on Sunday, sources said.

Mill official Nirapad Nandi said production and the mill office will remain closed during the lockout.

“We gave assurance to workers to investigate Thursday's incident but they damaged valuable machinery, instruments, and equipment."

Nurul Islam, a Sardar (worker's leader) in the mill, taking to newsmen however alleged that workers burst into agitation when Kazi Ilyias Zaman beat worker Shafiqul Islam in the twisting unit without any reason Thursday night. Incidents of such torture by Zaman took place earlier also, he caimed.

Sarishabari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Amin said he was trying to broker peace between the workers and the mill management.

Bablu Miah, acting CBA president in the mills said, "We are continuing discussion with higher authorities of the mill to reopen it”.