News Briefs(12-12-2018)

Thrust on tech support to jute sector

Speakers at a press conference on Monday stressed the need for technology support and enforcement of existing laws for development of the country's jute sector. They also recommended diversification of jute products and engaging proper lobbyists in the international market to boost exports of the products. The Jute Protection Committee (JPC) with the assistance of ActionAid Bangladesh organised the press conference at the National Press Club in the city. Shahidullah Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Trade Union Centre, said the jute industry is passing through a hard time because it is still depended on backdated technology. So necessary technological supports is very essential, he added. Asgar Ali Sabri, director of Programme Policy and Campaigns, stressed the need for proper enforcement of the mandatory jute packaging act for the development of the sector. He also stressed the need for required production and marketing of jute products. Presenting a keynote paper, Rezwan Siddique, deputy manager at ActionAid Bangladesh, said the workers at the reopened state-owned jute mills are facing discrimination. They are also deprived of due facilities. Khaled Hossain, general secretary of the JPC, said that with the diversification of jute products, the country will be financially benefited. — FE Report

BCSIR, BJRI ink deal to develop jute goods

Two government organisations will jointly conduct a research on diversified jute goods to develop new environment-friendly products. To this effect, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) in the city on Monday, said a statement. BCSIR Secretary Md Khalilur Rahman and BJRI Director S M Mahbub Ali signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. BCSIR Chairman Md. Faruque Ahmed, Director General (DG) of the BJRI Md Monjurul Alam and senior officials of both the organisations attended the signing ceremony.

FE Report