Dhaka, Mar 05 (V7N) – The government is taking coordinated steps to reopen jute mills that were closed during the mismanagement of the previous administration, said State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat, Shariful Alam emphasized that reviving the jute sector is part of the government’s broader goal to make Bangladesh a one trillion-dollar economy by 2034. He noted that eliminating unemployment and creating job opportunities are key election promises of the current government.

As part of the initiative, long-term lease activities are being carried out to allow private operators to manage jute mills under the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC). Shariful Alam added that, under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is also developing short and medium-term action plans for the growth of the jute industry.

The State Minister highlighted plans to establish a special economic zone for the jute sector and to promote the crop as the “Golden Fiber of Bangladesh” under the government’s long-term strategy.

Additionally, the government is implementing the project “Advanced Technology Based Jute and Jute Seed Production and Expansion”, under which free seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural machinery are provided annually to jute farmers. The discovery of the jute genome sequence is also expected to help restore the crop’s former prominence.

Shariful Alam expressed optimism that the jute industry would regain its historic status, creating employment and contributing to economic growth.

This year’s National Jute Day will be inaugurated virtually by President Md. Shahabuddin at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, with the theme: “Develop the jute industry, create employment.”

END/SMA/AJ