DHAKA, Mar 14, (V7N) – State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam said Saturday that closed jute mills across the country will be reopened to expand employment opportunities, in line with the government’s electoral pledges.

He made the remarks while inspecting the Pirojpur Textile Vocational Institute project, according to a press release. The minister emphasized that jute is deeply tied to Bangladesh’s heritage and culture but has fallen behind in recent times.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we will diversify jute products and create employment opportunities,” Alam said, noting that the government, though new, is taking initiatives to deliver visible results quickly.

He added that steps are being taken to increase jute and jute seed production, reopen mills and factories, and generate jobs. The minister also highlighted the ban on plastic since 2001, saying awareness campaigns would resume to encourage the use of jute products instead.

Alam said initiatives are already underway to ensure that everyday products used in government offices are made of jute, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable alternatives.

Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Bilkis Jahan Rimi and local leaders were present during the inspection.

END/AJ/RH