DHAKA, March 5, 2023 (BSS) - A total of 11 individuals and institutions will be awarded on National Jute Day to be observed in the country tomorrow. 

Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi today made the announcement at a press conference at the ministry, marking National Jute Day 2023. 

He said that the award will be given for their contribution to the achievement of the government's development targets through research activities in the development of the jute sector, reduction of dependence on jute seed import, achieving viability in jute seed production, increasing the production and export of conventional and versatile jute products. 

Besides, seven felicitation mementoes will be given to the stakeholders involved in jute, he added.

Secretary of the Textiles and Jute Ministry Md Abdur Rauf, Jute Department Director General Dr Selina Akhter, Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) Chairman Md Rahat Anwar, Textiles Department Director General Md Nuruzzaman and Additional Secretaries of the Textiles and Jute Ministry Md Mahmud Hossain and Taslima Kaniz Nahida were present at the press conference, among others. 

Dastagir said this year the day is going to be celebrated with the theme of "Contribution of Jute Industry - Building the SMART Bangladesh" with an aim of creating interest among farmers in jute cultivation, increasing the use of jute and jute products in domestic and international markets.

Noting that as per the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute has started the formulation and implementation of multi-faceted action plans to spread jute products around the world, he said along with increasing the use of jute products through the Jute Diversification Promotion Center (JDPC), the government has emphasized on innovation and expansion of the versatile use of jute products.

Marking the day, the Textiles and Jute Ministry has chalked out various programmes, including exhibitions, seminars, meetings and other promotional activities.

As per the programme schedule, the main event of the day will be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city and the exhibition and sales centre of multi-purpose jute products will be inaugurated at Karim Chamber in Motijheel tomorrow.

Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun will be present at the function as the chief guest while State Minister for Labor and Employment Begum Mannujan Sufian and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and Jute Ministry Mirza Azam will be present as special guests.