Government officials and experts at a discussion on Monday said that the jute industry had now faded to the background amid a lack of political leadership.
They also stressed a revamped policy focus on environment-friendly development as a driving force for sustainable development, which would help rejuvenate the jute market and revitalise jute farming in the country.
Their remarks came at a discussion held at the opening ceremony of a three-day exhibition 鈥楾he soul of jute: craft, culture, tourism and innovation of jute-based design, craft and sustainable innovation鈥� in Dhaka city.
The event, jointly organised by Alliance Fran莽aise de Dhaka, travel magazine 鈥榁romon鈥� and the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre under the textiles and jute ministry on the Dhanmondi premises of Alliance Fran莽aise, showcased the works of contemporary artists and designers made with jute.
Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan attended the opening as chief guest with jute and textiles adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, ministry secretary Bilquis Jahan Rimi and Jute Diversification Promotion Centre managing director Md Jahid Hossain attending as special guests.
Syeda Rizwana in her speech said that while Bangladesh was exporting jute bags, the items should be promoted inside the country also.
鈥榃e need to create a market which will inspire farmers to plant jute again. The Jute industry is now out of focus due to lack of political leadership after the war of independence, whereas jute was the highest revenue earner before the war,鈥� Rizwana said.
The exhibition was part of an effort aiming at changing people鈥檚 behaviour, encouraging them to use jute bags instead of polythene bags.
Sheikh Bashir Uddin stressed more research and unique ideas to popularise jute products inside the country.
鈥楾he government is working for strengthening capacity building of the JDPC and entrepreneurs should increase efforts around jute products,鈥� said the jute and textile adviser.
Jute products, including clothes and textiles, furniture, hand-crafted home d茅cor items, by different entrepreneurs, were showcased at the exhibition to end on Wednesday.
