Eight retired employees and workers of eight state owned jute mills of the Khulna-Jessore industrial belt tried to commit suicide by taking poison in front of the office of general manager of Platinum Jubilee Jute Mill at Khalishpur of Khulna city yesterday demanding payment of their dues of provident fund and gratuity and other retirement benefits.

The decision to commit suicide was withdrawn when police officers and deputy general manager (admin) of Platinum Jubilee Jute Mills Abul Hossain assured them of paying the dues within next one month.

The workers and employees are -- Kamal Ahmed, Fazlur Rahman, Abul Kashem, Chand Mia, Abdul Matin, Shahjalal, Moktar Ahmed and Shah Alam.

A total of 3000 workers and employees of Platinum Jubilee Jute Mill, Crescent Jute Mills, People Jute Mills, Star Jute Mills,

Aleem Jute Mills, Eastern Jute Mills, Jessore Jute Industries and Carpeting Jute Mills were retired in 2004 under a golden handshake scheme.

It is learnt that the mill authorities so far paid only 40 percent of their dues in four installments forcing them to lead a inhuman life.

Some retired employees and workers blamed the authorities of delaying disbursement as money allocated for this purpose was spent for other purposes.

The DGM (admn) of Platinum Jubilee Jute Mills said at least 50 percent of the money allocated for payment of dues was spent for purchasing raw jute.

But CBA leaders said at least 60 percent of the allocated money was misappropriated. BJMC properly released all the dues, they added.

The threat to commit suicide by taking poison was announced at a rally on March 22 in front of the Crescent Jute Mills.