Commerce, industries, textiles and jute minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said that the government aimed to transform Bangladesh’s traditional jute sector into a $5 billion to $7 billion export-oriented industry through stronger private sector participation, modernisation and product diversification.
He made the remarks as chief guest while inaugurating the five-day ‘Diversified Jute Products Fair 2026’ at the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre at Farmgate in the capital.
The fair will remain open to visitors daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm until May 23.
Textiles and jute secretary Abdun Naser Khan presided over the programme, while state minister for textiles and jute Md Shariful Alam attended the event as a special guest.
Organisers said that the fair featured 30 stalls by government agencies and private entrepreneurs.
Minister Muktadir said that Bangladesh currently earned about $1 billion annually from jute and jute goods exports, but the sector had the potential to expand several-fold with proper planning, modern technology, quality seed production and diversified product development.
‘The golden fibre sector can regain a strong position in the global market through planned reforms and technological advancement,’ he said.
He further said, ‘To provide fair prices to farmers, it is very important to diversify jute products, innovate new designs and expand high-value markets. For this, investment in research, innovation and technology development will be increased.’
Muktadir said that the increasing global demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products had created new opportunities for Bangladesh’s jute industry.
Under the plan, the government aims to become self-sufficient in quality jute seed production to reduce reliance on imports, as Bangladesh currently imports nearly 6,000 tonnes of jute seed every year.
Muktadir also announced plans for joint ventures with leading Chinese universities to improve jute productivity, develop advanced seed varieties and create internationally competitive product designs.
Shariful Alam said that reviving the jute sector would boost foreign exchange earnings and create employment opportunities in rural areas, improving the socio-economic condition of people involved in the industry, especially farmers.
