Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, said that expanding the country’s jute-based industry, culture, tourism, and innovation is essential for environmental protection.
Alongside innovating new eco-friendly and practical jute products, the aesthetic use of jute in modern homes and workplaces must be enhanced. Increasing the creative presentation of jute in decorative arts is also a demand of the time, the adviser observed.
She said the diversified use of jute can significantly contribute to employment, the economy, and the growth of local industries.
Rizwana made these remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day exhibition titled “The Soul of Jute: Craft, Culture, Tourism and Innovation” (17–19 November), held at Alliance Française de Dhaka on Monday.
The adviser said that the government is working to encourage farmers to cultivate jute and expand the market for jute products.
She emphasised the need for providing incentives to jute farmers and highlighted that the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Jute are jointly working to promote jute bags as an alternative to polythene shopping bags.
Rizwana noted that although jute bags from Bangladesh are being used in shopping malls in developed countries including Switzerland, their use in the domestic market has yet to reach the expected level, urging consumers to take responsibility by choosing jute bags over polythene.
Speaking as special guest Sk. Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Textiles & Jute, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism, said that the government is enhancing the capacity of the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC).
He described jute products as both environment-friendly and aesthetically appealing, and called on entrepreneurs to come forward with renewed enthusiasm to promote jute products out of responsibility toward the environment.
Textiles and Jute Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, JDPC Managing Director (Joint Secretary) Md. Zahid Hossain, Alliance Française de Dhaka Director François Chambraud, and President of the Bangladesh Jute Diversified Products Manufacturers & Exporters Association Mohammad Rashedul Karim also spoke at the event.
After the inauguration, guests visited various stalls of the exhibition and later briefed the media.
The exhibition, held at Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, will remain open to all from 17–19 November, every day from 3pm to 9pm.