Committee formed to reopen closed BJMC mills on lease

A nine-member inter-ministerial working committee has been formed to examine and consider the resumption of private management of BJMC's closed mills on lease.

The committee has been formed with the additional secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Jute and Textiles as the convener.

The ministry issued an order in this regard on December 22, according to a press release.

Chairman of the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) is the member-secretary of this committee.

The committee also includes a representative of the Prime Minister's Office, the additional secretary (Jute) of the jute ministry, a representative of the Finance Department, a representative of the Ministry of Industries, a representative of the Ministry of Commerce, a representative of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the executive director of Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC).

This committee will examine and finalise the draft notification for inviting tenders or interest proposals for reopening of the closed BJMC mills.

It will also advise on the disposal of proposals received against the published notification.

The committee will also recommend and advise taking necessary steps to protect public interest during the private management of the mills.

Previously on July 1, the government decided to terminate the production activities of all 25 mills operating under the BJMC.

It also terminated all permanent workers by providing them with gratuity, provident fund and cash through a golden handshake.