The government is preparing a Tk100 crore fund through the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) to engage over 1,000 entrepreneurs in reviving jute-based products, particularly jute bags, said Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Ministries of Textiles and Jute, Commerce, and Civil Aviation and Tourism.

“We are working to bring a cultural shift in the market toward jute,” he said. “We need research to increase the square metre usage, mileage, and global market reach of jute. There is a huge international market for jute as wrapping and packaging material.”

He made these remarks while addressing a seminar titled “The Role of Jute in Sustainable Development – Hafizuddin Ahmed & Fatema Ahmed Trust Lecture 2025”, organised by the Department of Yarn Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) auditorium in Dhaka.

Calling the students “future captains,” the adviser urged them to contribute to innovation in jute products, reduce production costs, and strengthen commercial competitiveness against plastics.

The event was chaired by BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Julhas Uddin, who later presented a crest of honour to the chief guest.

In her keynote lecture, Prof Hosne Ara Begum of the Yarn Engineering Department highlighted the importance of jute cultivation and export for a sustainable and eco-friendly economy.

She also called for the exclusive use of jute bags at the upcoming trade fair.

Among the special guests were former Dhaka University Prof Rashida Akhter Khanam, Director General of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Nargis Akhter, IEB Vice-President Khan Manjur Morshed, and ITET Convener Ahsanul Karim Kayser, along with faculty members and students.