United News of Bangladesh

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said the government aims to transform Bangladesh’s jute sector into a strong $5–7 billion industry from the current export earnings of around $1 billion through proper planning, modern technology, research, improved seed production and expansion of diversified jute products. “Although the country’s total export earnings have risen to around $50–55 billion, the contribution of the jute sector remains limited to nearly $1 billion. In this context, the government has taken timely initiatives to unlock the sector’s vast potential,” Muktadir said while inaugurating the Multi-purpose Jute Products Fair-2026 at the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre in Farmgate. The minister said around 90 percent of Bangladesh’s export earnings in fiscal year 1972-73 came from jute and jute goods following the country’s independence. “At that time, total export earnings stood at $348 million, of which the jute sector alone contributed $313 million.” Muktadir said the first priority for sustainable development of the jute sector is to achieve self-sufficiency in producing quality jute seeds. Currently, Bangladesh depends on imports to meet an annual demand of nearly 6,000 tonnes of jute seeds, he said, adding that steps would be taken to ensure domestic production of quality seeds and reduce import dependency. The minister said diversification of jute products, innovation in designs and expansion into high-value markets are essential to ensure fair prices for farmers. “To this end, investment in research, innovation and technological development will be increased.” Muktadir also said the government plans to undertake joint initiatives with leading Chinese universities to enhance productivity in the jute and leather sectors, develop improved seeds, introduce new products and create internationally competitive designs. “A comprehensive roadmap is being prepared in coordination with the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre and private sector stakeholders.” “At the same time, initiatives have been taken to bring state-owned jute mills under private management to ensure modernization, increased production and profit-oriented operations,” he said. The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is keen to restore the lost glory of the country’s jute sector. Under his leadership, the government will regularly review progress at every stage of the sector under a time-bound action plan and take necessary measures accordingly. Speaking as special guest, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam said collective efforts are needed to advance the economic and social transformation of the jute industry. “Only then will jute regain its past glory, earn huge foreign currency and improve the socio-economic condition of jute farmers and all those involved in the sector across the country.” Shariful said the revival of the sector would create new employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas. After the programme, the minister and state minister visited different stalls at the fair and exchanged views with entrepreneurs on the prospects, market expansion and existing challenges of jute products. The five-day fair will remain open to visitors every day from 10am to 9pm until May 23.  

To save the jute industry, its practical value and utility must be enhanced, said Textiles and Jute Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Thursday. He emphasized the need to increase the capacity of jute industry institutions and warned against unethical hoarding of jute, stressing that only the required amount should be stored. Govt invites applications from officers deprived or retired between 2009 and Aug 2024 He also called for scaling up efforts to save the industry and assured that issues related to the supply chain would be resolved swiftly. The adviser made the remarks while inaugurating a six-day multi-purpose jute products fair and photography exhibition, organised by the Jute Diversification Promotion Center (JDPC) under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. The fair will be held at the JDPC premises in Manipuripara, Dhaka, from December 12 to 17.   "In the ready-made garment industry, entrepreneurs attract financing from banks after establishing a strong position through their own initiatives. We need to create that foundation for the jute sector, and then banks will come forward with financing," the adviser said. Addressing the crowd, the adviser emphasized, "I am not here to represent businessmen, but the people of this country. You need to take the first step, and the state will support you. I want a just state where those in power are held accountable." 52,500 mt wheat imported from Ukraine reaches Chattogram The program was chaired by Md. Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and Abul Hossain, Chairman of the Jute Mills Association. Both highlighted various challenges and opportunities within the jute sector in their brief speeches.

The agriculture and jute ministries are working with stakeholders to help Bangladesh achieve self-reliance in jute seeds and end dependence on India, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak said Thursday.

Considering the demand in domestic and international markets and the global expansion of jute industry, the government has declared 282 types of attractive jute goods as ‘versatile jute products’.