Jatiya Oikyafront, led by Dr Kamal Hossain, on Tuesday urged the government to back off from its decision to shut down state-owned jute mills.

A coronavirus testing laboratory, funded by Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, was opened on Wednesday at Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj, one of the worst-affected areas in Bangladesh.

The government will honour eleven individuals and institutions on Friday for their outstanding contributions in promoting jute sector of the country.    

Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for some general health complications, said his ministry.

The health condition of Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, undergoing treatment at a Singapore hospital, has improved a lot.

Jute mills workers called off their ongoing fast-unto-death on Thursday night after the government assured them of paying the dues within the next 15 days through pay slip as per the National Pay Scale-2015.   Leaders of the jute mill workers made the announcement after a meeting with Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi at the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) in the capital.