Government must overhaul the jute sector, revive its past glory

Recently, while passing through the bustling streets of Gulshan-1, an elderly vendor selling beautifully stitched jute bags and mats caught my attention.

BJMC and government must take measures to revitalise jute.

The use of jute sacks to package 19 commodities remains a far cry 13 years past the enactment of the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday stressed the need for increasing the use of jute products and boycotting the plastic ones as plastic has become a great threat to the environment globally.

Exports grew by 9.01 percent year-on-year to $3.32 billion in May riding on the higher shipment of garment items, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reveals.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all to work sincerely for unlocking the huge potentials of jute and jute products.

Before the growth of the textile industry, jute was once the main cash crop of Bangladesh as it was the only exportable product in the country.

India agreed in principle not to carry out investigations relating to anti-dumping and countervailing duties on jute goods exported from Bangladesh, a senior commerce ministry official said yesterday.

Country's export earnings register a healthy growth of 13.73 percent totaling $2,749.34 million in this November against $2,417.43 million fetched during the corresponding period last year.