Workers block roads demanding resumption of raw jute exports

Jute godown and baling workers staged a protest and blocked roads in Khulna on Tuesday demanding the withdrawal of the ban on raw jute exports and payment of outstanding wages.

Under the banner of the Daulatpur Jute Press and Baling Workers Union, the workers brought out a procession from the Religate intersection at around 10:30am. Later, they took position in front of the Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA) building and blocked the road.

The protest programme in the Daulatpur area of the metropolis disrupted traffic on the Khulna-Jashore highway for several hours on Tuesday morning.

During the demonstration, a section of the agitated workers hurled brickbats outside the building and vandalised windowpanes. The situation came under control around noon following the intervention of police and labour leaders.

Addressing the protest rally, labour leaders alleged that the jute sector has been facing a severe crisis since what they termed a “conspiratorial” restriction on raw jute exports imposed on September 8, 2025.

They claimed that many workers have been living in extreme hardship for the past nine months due to a lack of work opportunities. The protesters demanded immediate resumption of raw jute exports and payment of salary arrears, warning of tougher programmes if their demands are not met.

Meanwhile, at a press conference held at the BJA building, leaders of the organisation protested against what they described as a virtual ban on raw jute exports through conditions imposed by the Ministry of Commerce. Speaking at the press conference, BJA Chairman Khandaker Alamgir Kabir said thousands of workers would lose their jobs if raw jute exports are not resumed quickly, adding that the country’s traditional jute industry could face a major crisis.

The road blockade programme continued from 10:30am until 12 noon.