Explore newer jute products, overseas markets: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suggested on Thursday finding out newer jute products and their fresh overseas markets for boosting export of the golden fibre to build a developed and prosperous "Sonar Bangladesh", reports BSS.
"Discover diversified jute products and explore their new markets abroad to increase its exports as the environment-friendly product has a huge demand (at home and abroad)," she said while opening six jute mills and a "Diversified Jute Goods Fair -2024".
The Textiles and Jute Ministry organised the inaugural function at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka marking the National Jute Day.
The premier said her government would provide stimulus packages for jute. "We will offer stimulus packages for the jute as an agricultural and export item," she said.
Sheikh Hasina asked all concerned to take proper care of the jute sector to ensure financial benefits for both the entrepreneurs and even the country.
"I am asking you all involved in the jute sector, to take care of the sector as I have handed over an asset to you. If it is used properly, you and the country will be benefited economically," she said.
The premier also called on the people getting lease of the jute mills to attract foreign investors in the sector and run the mills in collaboration.
She said: "You should keep an eye on the jute mills to ensure its proper operation".
Describing jute as the golden fibre, she said it would play an immense role in building a developed, prosperous Sonar Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty by 2041 as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.
With opening of the six jute mills out of 20, employment was generated for 12,000 people while 28,000 more people will get jobs as the remaining14 mills will be inaugurated.
The newly-opened six jute mills, which were leased out by Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) and now run under private ventures, are- KFD Jute Mills Ltd at Rangunia in Chattogram, Bangladesh Jute Mills at Ghorashal in Narsingdi, Jatiya Jute Mills Ltd at Raipur in Sirajganj, Jashore Jute Industries Ltd and Carpeting Jute Mills Ltd at Rajghat in Jashore and Daulatpur Jute Mills Ltd at Shahor Khalishpur in Khulna.
The prime minister also handed over honorary crests to 11 individuals and organisations in 11 categories and nine jute-related associations for their outstanding contributions to development of jute sector.
She later visited different stalls of the fair.
This year's theme of the day is 'Bangabandhu er Sonar Desh, Smart Pat Shilper Bangladesh'.