President urges tapping potential of jute sector

President Mohammed Shahabuddin called upon all concerned to promote the expansion of jute products in the global market and seize the golden opportunities offered by emerging prospects

"Make and market jute bags at low prices...The world is now leaning towards eco-friendly products - we must tap the potential of the jute sector," the president said at a function at Osmani Smrity Auditorium here this morning, marking the 'National Jute Day 2026'.

He called for avoiding polythene bags, which are harmful to the environment, saying, "Promote jute products in the global market. Use affordable jute bags and eco-friendly products."

He urged entrepreneurs to come forward with new, modern, high-quality, aesthetic, and affordable products in line with global market demands.

Urging greater use of modern science and technology in the jute sector, President Shahabuddin said innovations and diversification should be introduced in jute products.

He also urged jute farmers to adopt advanced, high-yield farming methods and focus on producing quality fibre.

"You have to prioritise maintaining the sustainable quality of products, developing new designs, and enhancing usability. We must create skilled manpower in this sector and ensure fair prices for jute products," the president said.

He called upon all public and private stakeholders, including jute farmers, workers, producers, industrialists, exporters, and policymakers, to play their part in increasing production by using modern technology, fostering innovation as well as diversification and encouraging private investment.

With the support of the incumbent people-friendly government, the golden days of the jute sector will return, new employment opportunities will be created, and people's fortunes will improve, he hoped.

Stating that jute is an integral part of Bangladesh's socio-cultural heritage and a solid foundation for sustainable economic development, the President urged everyone to work in greater unity for the overall development and prosperity of the sector.

He said implementing the plan to create employment in various sectors based on the policy of "We will work, we will build the country" is the foremost priority of the current democratic government.

President Shahabuddin said the government has already taken initiatives to create new employment by opening various industries, including ailing and closed factories.

He said steps have been taken to make the jute sector technologically advanced, expand research, develop high-yield jute seed varieties, and use jute for diversified purposes.

The president said the new government, within 10 days of assuming office, took a groundbreaking decision to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000, including interest, for farmers. More than 1.1 million farmers have directly benefited by farmers from this decision.

"This decision will improve the living standards of farmers, positively impacting the rural economy," he added.

Earlier, during the tenure of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's first government, the interest and principal of agricultural loans of up to Tk5,000 were waived with the same objective, he said.

Mentioning that Bangladesh has returned to the path of democracy at the cost of thousands of lives, the president said, "To build a Bangladesh imbued with the aspirations of the martyrs, we must become more advanced in knowledge, science, and technology. We have to achieve economic self-reliance and build a self-reliant Bangladesh."

Regarding the government's distribution of farmer cards, he said the agriculture- and farmer-friendly government will start distributing the cards in phases from the next Pahela Baishakh.

Through this card, farmers will avail themselves of various facilities, including access to agricultural inputs at fair prices, government subsidies and incentives, affordable use of agricultural machinery, and agricultural loans.

The president believes these initiatives will strengthen the economy and bring prosperity to the jute sector.

He also virtually inaugurated the nine-day 'Jute and Multipurpose Jute Products Fair' at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises.

On the occasion, a total of 19 individuals and organisations, including 12 associations, were awarded in 12 categories.

A documentary film was screened to mark the day.

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, MP, State Minister Md. Shariful Alam, MP, Secretary, Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Director General of the Jute Department, Syed Md. Nurul Basir, and business representative Abul Hossain, President of Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA), among others, spoke on the occasion.