Dhaka, Mar 06 (V7N) — Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir pledged to restore the long-standing tradition of the jute industry in Bangladesh and boost its global presence. He made the remarks during the National Jute Day program held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Friday.

The Minister said that the Prime Minister has entrusted him and his colleagues with the vital responsibility of reviving the jute industry, and he vowed to uphold this trust. “InshaAllah, we will try our best to maintain the dignity of this responsibility,” he added.

Highlighting the historical significance of jute, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir noted that although the industry was first nationalized and later privatized, it has struggled with a legacy of losses. “This industry is not only a tradition of Bangladesh but also a symbol of our country in the international market,” he said.

The Commerce Minister outlined plans to involve small manufacturers and producers in global commercial platforms, enabling them to showcase and sell their products internationally. He identified the shortage of quality jute seeds as a major challenge and stated that achieving self-sufficiency in jute seeds would be a key priority in the coming days.

He also emphasized the importance of establishing an efficient supply chain to ensure that farmers receive profitable prices while jute mills can procure raw materials affordably.

Concluding his speech, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir urged the public to increase the use of jute products, describing it as a step that could revolutionize the jute industry in Bangladesh.

This year, National Jute Day is being celebrated with the theme “Develop the jute industry, create employment”, reflecting the government’s focus on employment generation and industry revitalization.

END/SMA/AJ