‘The government will provide all possible assistance for the expansion of the jute industry, motivating jute farmers considering the demand in local and international markets ‘
The government is working relentlessly to reopen the closed mills of the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) as soon as possible, Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi has said.
Jute production systems are in the process of being modernized and restructured in view of the present market and prospects of diversified jute products, he added.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a view exchange meeting on the activities of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute and its subordinate departments at his office at the end of Eid-ul-Azha holidays, according to a press release quoted by BSS.
“The country’s jute mills will resume production as soon as possible through government-controlled public-private partnership (PPP), joint venture GTZ or lease model. At the same time, two high-level committees have already been set up to make recommendations on modernization and reactivation of mills in a proper manner considering changes to the BJMC’s manpower structure,” said the minister.
He said all relevant provisions of the Labor Act have been followed in declaring the termination of employment of workers and closures of jute mills.
As the employment of the workers had been terminated from July 1, they have no claims or dues after the 7th day except for the wages of 60-day notice period according to the provisions of the Labour Act, the minister added.
“The present government is keen to solve all problems in the jute sector, including fair pricing, SMS-based jute buying and selling system, increasing production of raw jute and versatile jute products, incentives for export of jute products and increasing domestic use,” he further said.
“The government will provide all possible assistance for the expansion of the jute industry, motivating jute farmers considering the demand in local and international markets,” he added.
Textile and Jute Secretary Lokman Hossain Mia, Additional Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam and other officials were present at the meeting.
