The government is moving forward to ensure the use of jute bags in packaging 19 products as per the ‘Mandatory Jute Packaging Act, 2010’.
The law was enacted 14 years ago to prevent the use of environmentally harmful plastic bags and also to protect the interests of jute growers and millers. The use of jute bags in packaging the 19 products was not ensured amidst the lack of enforcement by the authorities during the tenure of the previous government.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the current interim government’s adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; on Sunday (September 15) said that steps will be taken to promote the extensive use of jute packaging through the proper implementation of the law.
“The issue will be discussed with the traders by December. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change will provide policy support to increase the use of jute products,” she said.
Mentioning the importance of the jute sector in protecting the environment, she called for urgent measures to address the challenges faced by the jute industry. She emphasised the need for joint efforts between the government and private sectors.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan made these remarks during a views-exchange meeting held at the conference room of Bangladesh Jute Mills Association at Motijheel in the capital.
Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Textiles and Jute; also spoke on the occasion with Mohammad Abul Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association, in the chair.
Speaking at the event, Sakhawat Hossain said that initiatives would first be taken to ensure the use of jute packaging for rice, paddy, and wheat. Everyone’s cooperation in promoting jute-based products is needed, he added.
Representatives from various jute mills and industry experts took part in the discussion on the current state of the jute industry and possible solutions to its challenges.
Later, the Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan held a separate discussion session with the Auto Bricks Owners’ Association.
