Textile ministry to render accolades to 11 persons, institutions

The Ministry of Textiles and Jute will celebrate National Textiles Day by rendering accolades to eleven individuals and organisations in eleven categories for their contributions.

The awards will be given mainly for research activities in jute sector development, reduction in dependence on jute seed imports, achieving self-reliance in jute seed production and contributing to the government’s development goals through increasing production and export of conventional and versatile jute products.

Besides, seven tributes will be bestowed to the jute stakeholders.

The information was shared by the Minister of Textiles and Jute, Golam Dastagir Gazi, at a press conference held on the occasion of ‘National Jute Day-2022’ in the conference room of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, on Thursday.

“Considering the importance of jute as an environmental friendly fiber, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute is going to celebrate ‘National Jute Day-2022’ on March 7 as usual to generate interest in jute cultivation, increase the use of jute and jute products at home and international markets and highlighting the bright potential of the golden fiber as a natural product,” said the minister.

He said, “Although the use of synthetic fibers has increased over the years, the current era of sustainable development has created a huge global demand for environment-friendly jute and jute products.” 

The theme of this year’s National Jute Day is ‘Golden Land of Golden Fiber, Eco-Friendly Bangladesh.’

The main event of the Jute Day will be held on March 6 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital and a three-day multi-purpose exhibition and fair will be organised on March 6-7 at JDPC premises. The minister of agriculture, Md Abdur Razzaque will be present as chief guest.

The Minister further said that the present government is implementing mandatory use of jute wrapping act, 2010, for the internal use of jute products. Under this act, the use of jute sack has been made compulsory in the packaging of 19 products. 

“Jute production has increased in the recent years due to proper supply of seeds as well as providing other inputs to the farmers, on time”.

He added: “During the jute season, regular surveillance is being carried out to prevent market distortion, illegal stockpiling and smuggling of raw jute abroad. After the termination of BJMC’s temporarily closed mills, leasing is going on under the control of the government. In the meantime, the rental-based leasing of two jute mills (Bangladesh Jute Mill of Narsingdi and KFD Jute Mills of Chattogram) has already been completed”.

He also mentioned that the lease process of two more jute mills is also progressing. The remaining 13 mills have been called for lease for the second time.

“Hopefully, it will be possible to launch some more matches in the shortest possible time. Retired workers will get job opportunities on a priority basis. At the same time, these will create new employment opportunities,” Dastagir Gazi said.