Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) Chairman Md Ataharul Islam yesterday warned CBA leaders of jute mills of 'dire consequences' if they do not stop 'instigating workers to create chaos and confusion' in Khulna-Jessore industrial belt.

The warning came at a meeting of high officials of jute mills, held at BJMC zonal office at Charerhat in Khalishpur with BJMC chief in the chair. The meeting continued from 10 am to 12-30 pm

Project directors of all state-owned jute mills in Khulna-Jessore industrial belt and four other high ranking officials who accompanied the BJMC chairman from Dhaka attended the meeting.

The BJMC chairman said the process was on to privatise closed Peoples Jute Mills (PJM). Tenders for this purpose will be floated shortly to sell the jute mill.

He said the government had allocated Tk 150 crore for 18 jute mills in the country for purchasing raw material.

“We sincerely want to make jute mills production-oriented”, he said.

Hinting at closure of Alim Jute Mills shortly, the BJMC chairman said the government was considering full payment of gratuity and provident fund of retrenched workers of jute mills including Peoples Jute Mills after getting audit report.

The BJMC chairman will hold another meeting today (Sunday) with officials of joint forces, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), police and the district administration.