Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi on Monday said the use of eco-friendly jute products will make essential contributions to the national economy and it will help build a smart Bangladesh.
"We have been able to accelerate the growth rate in the jute sector under the supervision and directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," he told a function marking the National Jute Day at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
Under the initiative of the textiles and jute ministry, the function was arranged to observe the Jute Day and give awards for contributions in the jute sector, read a press release.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun addressed the function as the chief guest with Golam Dastagir Gazi in the chair.
State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian joined it as the special guest while Textiles and Jute Secretary Md Abdur Rauf delivered the welcome address.
Golam Dastagir said, "We have to utilise the global demand for jute and jute products in the current age of sustainable development as the product is very much eco-friendly."
He said the government is putting emphasis on both productions of jute and jute products.
A total of 11 individuals and institutions were awarded for their contribution to increasing the production and export of jute and jute products.
Nine organisations working on jute were also given honour on the occasion.
This year the National Jute Day was celebrated with the theme of "Contribution of Jute Industry - Building the Smart Bangladesh" with the aim of creating interest among farmers in jute cultivation, and increasing the use of jute and jute products in domestic and international markets.
Marking the day, the textiles and jute ministry chalked out various programmes, including exhibitions, seminars, meetings and other promotional activities.
