Some 25,000 workers of eight state-owned jute mills in Khulna-Jessore industrial belt have been observing work abstention since Thursday to press home their 11-point demand including payment of arrears.

Under the banner of Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) and Non-CBA Oikko Parishad over 20,000 workers yesterday demonstrated in Khalishpur industrial belt area of Khulna city.

The eight out of nine state-owned jute mills in Khulna region which remained closed since Thursday are: Daulatpur, Khalishpur, Crescent, Platinum, Star, Aleem, Eastern, and JJI and Carpeting jute mills.

Their demands include payment of arrears of one to three months to some 35,000 workers, 20 per cent dearness allowance, allocation of adequate fund for smooth operation of the mills, removal of corrupt officials from the administration, and exploring markets for jute products at home and abroad.

Sohorab Hossain, general secretary of Crescent Jute Mill of CBA, told The Daily Star that they had long been facing many problems.

They have no got any assurance from the government yet, he said, adding that workers would wage tougher movement.

The CBA leaders urged Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) to fulfill their demands.