President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday called on the country’s youth to explore startups and innovation in the jute sector, promote the “Made in Bangladesh” brand and utilise global e-commerce platforms to expand jute products in international markets.
" There will be a call to the creative young generation to open new horizons in the jute sector by promoting “Made in Bangladesh” branding through startups and innovation, and by connecting with global e-commerce platforms. Spread Bangladeshi jute products across the world market," he said.
He made the call while addressing the inaugural ceremony of National Jute Day 2026 and a nine-day Jute and Diversified Jute Products Fair at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
He also urged stakeholders to enhance innovation, technology use and diversification in the jute sector to harness the growing global demand for environmentally friendly products.
Extending greetings to all participants, including entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers and businesspeople in the jute sector, the President described jute—the “golden fibre”—as an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s heritage, culture and economic development.
“Jute is not only an agricultural crop but also an industrial and export commodity. Above all, it is a natural and eco-friendly fibre,” he said.
The President said once Bangladeshi jute and jute products enjoyed great demand in the global market.
In the current context of climate change, environmental pollution and the harmful effects of plastic and polythene, the importance of jute as an environmentally friendly product has increased manifold, he said.
“The world is shifting towards sustainable and eco-friendly products, opening a new window of opportunity for Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based industries,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, the President said creating employment through sector-based economic revitalisation and increased domestic and foreign investment remains a top priority.
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He said the government has taken initiatives to reopen sick and closed jute mills and other industries to create new employment opportunities.
The President also mentioned steps taken to modernise the jute sector, expand research, develop high-yielding jute varieties and promote diversified uses of jute.
He said the government has waived agricultural loans up to Tk10,000 including interest, benefiting more than 1.1 million farmers and creating new momentum in the agriculture sector, including jute cultivation.
The President also said the government will begin distributing Farmer Cards in phases from Pahela Baishakh on April 14.
Referring to the theme of this year’s National Jute Day—“Build the Jute Industry, Create Employment”—he said it reflects the country’s commitment to expanding the sector and generating jobs.
The President urged jute farmers to adopt improved high-yield cultivation methods and focus on producing quality fibre, while encouraging entrepreneurs to develop modern, innovative and affordable jute products in line with global market demand.
The President urged people to avoid environmentally harmful polythene bags and instead use affordable jute bags and other eco-friendly products.
He also virtually inaugurated the nine-day 'Jute and Multipurpose Jute Products Fair' at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises.
On the occasion, a total of 19 individuals and organizations, including 12 associations, were awarded in 12 categories while a documentary film was screened to mark the day.
Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, State Minister Shariful Alam, Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Director General of the Jute Department Syed Md. Nurul Basir, and business representative Abul Hossain, President of Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA), among others, spoke on the occasion.