The government is working on a Tk 100-crore fund through the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) to revive the use of jute bags and bring about a cultural shift towards jute-based products, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Wednesday.
“We are trying to bring about a cultural change in the market with a fund of nearly Tk 100 crore through JDPC, involving around 1,006 entrepreneurs. Like in the past, we want to see how we can reintroduce jute bags in daily use. There is a vast global market for jute as a wrapping material. Research is needed to expand the jute sector’s square metre coverage, mileage, and scope,” he said.
The adviser was addressing a seminar titled ‘The Role of Jute in Sustainable Development – Hafizuddin Ahmed and Fatema Ahmed Trust Lecture 2025’ held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX).
The Department of Yarn Engineering organised the event.
Calling the students as ‘future captains’, Bashir Uddin urged them to adopt innovation and cost-effective production methods to enhance the commercial success of jute products, making them competitive alternatives to plastic.
“You have shown refined character in many areas by saying, ‘I don’t agree’. For jute bags, we need cultural change, not compulsion. Innovation, cost reduction, and enhanced capabilities are essential for the commercial success of jute products. To beat plastic, we need coordinated efforts in policies, actions, and initiatives. Increased productivity leads to more employment opportunities. Wherever you work, strive to make your institution the best,” he said.
In her keynote presentation, Prof Dr Hosne Ara Begum of the Department of Yarn Engineering highlighted the role of jute cultivation and exports in ensuring a sustainable and environment-friendly economy.
She also called for the exclusive use of jute bags at the upcoming trade fair.
Dhaka University’s former professor Rashida Akhtar Khanam, Director General of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Dr Nargis Akhtar, IEB Vice-President Engr Khan Manjur Morshed, IETET Convener Engr Ahsanul Karim Kaiser, along with other faculty members and students, attended the event.