President Urges Youth to Innovate in the Jute Industry on National Jute Day
In a resonant address on the occasion of this year’s National Jute Day, themed “Build the Jute Industry, Create Employment,” President Mohammed Shahabuddin urged the nation’s youth to delve into startups and innovations within the jute sector.
He emphasised the utilisation of global e-commerce platforms to amplify the international presence of Bangladesh’s jute products.
“There exists a clarion call for the ingenious younger generation to pioneer new avenues in the jute sector by fostering the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand through entrepreneurship and innovation, while establishing connections with worldwide e-commerce platforms,” the President asserted.
These remarks were delivered during the inaugural ceremony of National Jute Day 2026, coinciding with the commencement of a nine-day Jute and Diversified Jute Products Fair held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
Expressing his esteem for the entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, and business figures engaged in the sector, Shahabuddin hailed jute, often referred to as the “golden fibre,” as a pivotal element of Bangladesh’s heritage, culture, and economic trajectory.
He remarked on the historical prominence of Bangladeshi jute and its products in the global marketplace.
“With the world increasingly gravitating towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, new opportunities are beckoning for Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based industries,” he affirmed.
Shahabuddin implored stakeholders to enhance innovation, embrace cutting-edge technologies, and diversify product offerings to cater to the surging global demand.
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalising sector-specific industries and attracting both domestic and foreign investments to foster employment opportunities.
He highlighted initiatives aimed at reopening defunct jute mills and advancing research to cultivate high-yield jute varieties alongside diversified products.
Additionally, he announced the cancellation of agricultural loans, including interest, for over 1.1 million farmers, thereby invigorating the agriculture sector, particularly in jute cultivation.
He revealed that “Farmer Cards” will be distributed in phases commencing from Pahela Baishakh on April 14.
Shahabuddin encouraged farmers to adopt enhanced cultivation methodologies and prioritise the production of superior quality fibre, while motivating entrepreneurs to design modern, cost-effective jute products that resonate with global demands.
To commemorate the occasion, he virtually inaugurated the nine-day Jute and Multipurpose Jute Products Fair at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises.
During the event, 19 individuals and organisations were honoured across 12 categories, and a documentary film was showcased to celebrate the day.
Source link: Thedailystar.net.
