In order to reduce the nation’s reliance on polythene bags, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized today how urgent it is to change consumer behavior toward eco-friendly jute products.
“We must move towards sustainable, environment-friendly jute products and gradually reduce dependence on polythene bags,” she said while inaugurating an exhibition titled “The Soul of Jute” at La Galerie of the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka as the chief guest.
The exhibition, which honors the nation’s golden fiber through design, craftsmanship, and sustainable innovation, was co-organized by the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Travel Magazine VROMON, and the Jute Diversification Promotion Center PLC (JDPC) under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Government of Bangladesh.
Special guests included Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Bilquis Jahan Rimi and Advisor to the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Commerce, and Textiles and Jute Sk. Bashir Uddin.
Rizwana emphasized the importance of jute farming, stating that farmers were deterred from doing so by decades of policy neglect, which had an impact on the entire value chain.
“Without ensuring farmers’ interest, sustainable growth of jute-based products will not be possible,” she added.
Citing her recent visit to Switzerland, she noted that Bangladeshi jute bags are being used in foreign supermarkets while polythene use remains widespread at home (Bangladesh).
She called for a “national stance” against polythene use, noting that recycling alone cannot address the problem.
Rizwana said the Textiles and Jute Ministry and the Environment Ministry are jointly working to increase production and supply of jute bags.
She also stressed consumer responsibility, saying simple behavioral changes can significantly reduce plastic pollution.
She noted that mandatory jute-packaging laws were not implemented properly in the past but relevant agencies have now begun enforcement efforts in this regard.
The adviser expressed hope that the exhibition will help promote sustainable consumption and restore confidence in locally produced jute goods.
Speaking on the occasion, Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin called for strengthening the jute sector through innovation and coordinated government support.
He said jute is an environment-friendly resource with strong potential in packaging and other value-added markets.
The adviser thanked Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan for providing climate funds to promote jute products such as jute bags, noting that the initiative has created an important foundation.
Regarding the Jute Diversification Promotion Center (JDPC), he stated that in order to assist its more than 1,000 small business owners, JDPC must step up its efforts.
He noted that recent actions, such as turning JDPC into a PLC and setting up foreign training, will improve the organization’s overall capability.
In order to enter international markets, Bashir Uddin advised jute industry entrepreneurs to embrace contemporary business structures and give design innovation first priority.
“The government will continue to extend all necessary support in this regard,” he said.
