Time News Desk: Khulna’s biggest Jute Mill Crescent and Platinum Jute Mill workers’ colony was bustling with people even 2 years ago. At present the buildings of this colony are filled with bushes due to neglect.

Recently, it was seen on the ground in the workers colony of Platinum Jute Mill along the BIDC road of Khulna city, rows of two-storied buildings are completely empty.

Entering through Gate No. 1, Janani Hair Cutting Salon can be seen on the right side. Mintu Khalifa was talking to the salon owner Abul Kalam. In 1988, he started working in the hand sewing department of Platinum Mill. Lived in North Kacha Colony Line.

He told, ‘Before the closure of the mill, there were about 5-6 thousand people living in the colony. After the closure, at least 60 percent of the workers left the village with their families.’

Abul Kalam, owner of Janani Hair Cutting, added, ‘When the mill started, there were 3 people working in my shop. After the closure of the mill, the workers went to the village. The employee had to be laid off due to lack of work.’

The same scene in Khulna’s largest jute mill Crescent workers colony. Enter through the main gate and talk to the security guard there.

Mentioning that 5-6 thousand people lived in the colony at one time, he said that about 80 percent of the workers have gone home with their families. The rest are living in different areas of the city.

He said, ‘Many workers now drive rickshaws or easy bikes. Many work as construction workers. Mill Colony now houses 10-12 families.’

On July 1, 2020, 4 jute mills in Khalishpur Industrial Area of ​​Khulna were closed. About 26 thousand workers became unemployed.

SK