President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged all stakeholders to promote the expansion of jute products in the global market and capitalise on the opportunities offered by emerging prospects.
“Make and market jute bags at affordable 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 this morning, marking ‘National Jute Day 2026’.
He called for reducing the use of polythene bags, which are harmful to the environment, and emphasised: “Promote jute products in the global market. Use affordable jute bags and eco-friendly products.”
President Shahabuddin urged entrepreneurs to introduce new, modern, high-quality, aesthetically appealing, and affordable jute products aligned with global market demands.
Highlighting the importance of science and technology, he said innovations and product diversification should be prioritised in the jute sector. He also encouraged farmers to adopt advanced, high-yield farming techniques and focus on producing quality fibre.
“You must prioritise maintaining the sustainable quality of products, developing new designs, and enhancing usability. We need skilled manpower in this sector and fair prices for jute products,” the president added.
He called on all public and private stakeholders — including farmers, workers, producers, industrialists, exporters, and policymakers — to contribute by increasing production through modern technology, fostering innovation and diversification, and encouraging private investment.
With the support of the current people-focused government, he expressed hope that the golden era of the jute sector would return, creating new employment opportunities and improving livelihoods.
Stressing jute’s cultural and economic significance, President Shahabuddin said it remains a vital part of Bangladesh’s heritage and a foundation for sustainable development. He urged greater unity to ensure the sector’s overall growth and prosperity.
He stated that implementing the plan to create employment across sectors under the policy “We will work, we will build the country” is a key priority of the democratic government.
The president noted that the government has already taken steps to generate employment by reopening various industries, including ailing and previously closed factories. Measures have also been introduced to modernise the jute sector, expand research, develop high-yield seed varieties, and diversify uses of jute.
Within ten days of assuming office, the government made a landmark decision to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, directly benefiting over 1.1 million farmers.
“This decision will improve farmers’ living standards and positively impact the rural economy,” he said, adding that similar measures were undertaken during the first government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, which waived loans up to Tk 5,000.
Referring to Bangladesh’s return to democracy at the cost of thousands of lives, he said: “To build a Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of the martyrs, we must advance in knowledge, science, and technology. We must achieve economic self-reliance and build a self-reliant Bangladesh.”
Regarding the government’s farmer card initiative, he said the agriculture- and farmer-friendly administration would begin phased distribution from the next Pahela Baishakh. The card will provide farmers with access to agricultural inputs at fair prices, subsidies and incentives, affordable machinery use, and agricultural loans.
President Shahabuddin also virtually inaugurated the nine-day ‘Jute and Multipurpose Jute Products Fair’ at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
On the occasion, 19 individuals and organisations, including 12 associations, were recognised in 12 categories, and a documentary film was screened to mark the occasion.
Speakers at the event included Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir; State Minister Md Shariful Alam; Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi; Director General of the Jute Department Syed Md Nurul Basir; and business representative Abul Hossain, President of the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA).
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