The New Nation - Internet Edition

SPEAKERS at a seminar held in the city the other day urged the government to take measures to protect jute. They called for the adoption of a new policy for this. Bangladesh once produced 80 percent of the best quality jute in the world. The country had over three dozen jute mills that provided employment to a large number of workers and produced large quantities of jute goods. Raw jute and jute goods once used to be the largest foreign exchange earner. But this profitable sector gradually turned into a losing concern. After the independence of the country, all the jute mills were nationalised. These mills had earlier developed efficient administration that was sound on both managerial and technical aspects. They had good contacts with the international markets and successfully exported jute products. But subsequently, widespread mismanagement engulfed the whole sector. Even some highly placed administrators opted for underhand deals with the buyers. In the process, this profitable sector of the economy started incurring loss.

The situation had aggravated to such an extent that workers and employees got no regular payment. Gradually jute mills were closed down one after another rendering thousands of skilled workers jobless. The farmers also lost interest in cultivating jute. Whatever meagre quantities of jute they produced were again smuggled out of the country. The economy, in spite of having some positive indicators, is now passing through many strains. The country incurred heavy losses due to natural calamities of the recent past. The Readymade Garment industries now face a serious challenge. Unemployment and poverty situation has worsened. Bangladesh can come out of this situation through higher production and export diversification. Revival of the jute sector may help the country in this respect. So, instead of continuing the policy of closing down jute mills, the government may take up a plan to revitalise the sector. It is mainly depending on prudent policy that jute business in the neighbouring country is prospering. Jute business still has a good prospect internationally. The use of synthetic fibres earlier posed a challenge to the golden fibre. But people, now aware of environmental issues, are likely to be more interested in using this biodegradable natural fibre.

What is needed urgently is to explore diverse usages of jute. Vigorous market exploration at the international level is of pivotal importance for this. Administration of jute mills must be made transparent and accountable to free those from corruption and mismanagement. Revival of this sector will increase employment opportunities and help boost foreign exchange earnings.

Policy adjustment at the government level is urgent to protect the jute sector from collapse. While jute business in the neighbouring country is reportedly surging ahead, it is gradually coming close to naught in Bangladesh. But Bangladesh still has a great potential for the revival of this sector.