Case for jute products

The pageant-filled National Jute Day on March 06 filled a lot of people with joy. The occasion may have revived in many the hope of the return of jute's past glory. We are passing the post-modernist times of return to the basics. The musings on jute basking in its bygone glory days may not be anything utopian. The realism accompanying these thoughts became evident in the speeches and observations made by many on the occasion. They included economists, jute experts and environmentalists. All of them were unanimous in their observations that the past good times await the golden fibre of Bangladesh.

Exhibitions on the day put on display scores of jute products which are more attractive and use-friendly than those found in market in the past. People have showed keen interest in them. Innovative entrepreneurs have even showcased varied fashion products, which are in no way inferior to the conventional ones. Yet there is a flipside. Most of these new jute products remain mostly out of the view of the common people. One doesn't find them at the shopping malls or neighbourhood supermarkets.

Even the much-publicised jute shopping bags remain out of the reach of common people. Many people want to use the biodegradable jute products. But at markets they are handed down the fancifully designed synthetic bags. The present advocacies for jute products' use are feared to turn futile. It should be accompanied by stronger drives making sale of jute bags mandatory in the market.

Syed Quamrul Hassan

Basabo, Dhaka