Workers besiege office for arrears, bonus

Workers of Rangpur Sugar Mills in Mohimaganj of Gaibandha laid siege to the mill's administatrative office yesterday, demanding payment of arrear salaries and bonus before Eid.

Organised by Rangpur Chinikal Sramik-Karmochari Union, the siege was preceded by a procession that paraded the main roads.

They also held a meeting near the office of the managing director, where the union leaders threatened a tougher movement, including hunger strike and lock-up of offices, if the demand was not met before Eid.

"Employees are suffering for want of money, as they have not received salaries for the last three months. Moreover, Eid is near," said Abdul Matin, president of Rangpur Sugar Mills Workers Union.

According to Rangpur Sugar Mills authorities, 6,867 tonnes of sugar worth around Tk 25 crore have been lying unsold in the mill's godowns for the last three months, causing cash shortage. The total amount of the salaries comes to Tk two crore, he added

"Mill authorities reduced the price of sugar from Tk 50 to Tk 45 per kg, and then from Tk 45 to Tk 40. The price was further reduced to Tk 37 per kg this year just for open sale in the market, but the situation remained as before," said Abdul Majid, general manger (admin) of the sugar mills.