Keeping so many jute mills solely dependent on jute is unrealistic: Jute adviser
Govt eases rules for leasing mills to private sector, allowing non-jute industries
Textiles and Jute Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin today said it is unrealistic to keep so many jute mills running solely dependent on jute, as the country needs 40 lakh tonnes of jute each year but only produces 12 lakh tonnes.
"The global annual jute production is only 25 lakh tonnes, so the Bangladesh government is easing rules for leasing jute mills to the private sector and allowing other industries to be established alongside jute-based ones," he said after visiting the privately operated Daulatpur Jute Mill in Khulna.
He further stated that last week, a closed government-owned textile mill in Kurigram was leased to the private sector, allowing business investors to invest in the facility.
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He expressed hope that the process of leasing three more mills would be completed this week.
"The reopening of jute mills under government management has only resulted in billions in losses without yielding long-term benefits. Therefore, the government plans to transfer state-owned jute and textile mills to the private sector," he said.
The adviser also noted that the reopening of Daulatpur Jute Mill under private ownership has created employment for around 700 people, with the potential to generate an additional 3,000 jobs.
He emphasised that such successful initiatives and investments would open up new employment opportunities. The mill has simultaneously launched the production of both jute products and footwear under private management, ensuring a profitable and sustainable approach.
He pointed out that implementing such innovative initiatives under government management has not been as effective.
In response to media queries, the adviser said the existing syndicates involved in manipulating essential commodity prices are not stronger than the government.
The government is closely monitoring the stock and supply of various goods and that the temporary crisis in the edible oil market would be resolved within a few days, the jute adviser assured.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Saiful Islam and officials of Daulatpur Jute Mill were present during the inspection.
