Bangladesh revives jute industry with closed mills reopening and job creation
The Bangladeshi government has announced plans to revive the country's struggling jute industry by reopening closed mills. State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam revealed the initiative, calling it a key electoral promise aimed at boosting employment and production. The move comes as part of broader efforts to restore jute's role in Bangladesh's economy and heritage.
At present, 112 jute mills across Bangladesh remain shut, hitting districts like Narayanganj, Faridpur, Jessore, Kushtia, and Pabna particularly hard. Alam acknowledged that jute, once central to the nation's culture and livelihoods, has lost ground in recent years. The government now intends to reverse this decline through targeted measures.
Under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership, officials are pushing to diversify jute products and create new jobs. Plans include increasing both jute and jute seed production to meet rising demand. The administration also wants government offices to use jute-based items in daily operations. Alongside reopening mills, authorities will relaunch a campaign to promote jute over plastic. The effort aims to remind the public of existing plastic bans while encouraging wider adoption of eco-friendly jute alternatives.
The reopening of closed mills forms part of a wider strategy to revitalise the sector quickly. With 112 factories currently idle, the government's focus on production, employment, and sustainability could reshape Bangladesh's jute industry. Officials have stressed the need for visible progress in the coming months.
