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DHAKA, Feb 17, 2025 (BSS) – Pragmatic steps are underway to increase jute bag production through state-run jute mills to curb the use of polythene.

Simultaneously, the government is prioritizing awareness campaigns to encourage consumers to adopt jute bags as a sustainable alternative, said AHM Kamrul Hasan Sarkar, project head of Amin Jute Mills Limited in Chittagong, one of the country’s leading jute mills.

Referring to a recent visit by Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain Amin to the jute mill, he said the mayor assessed the possibility of producing jute bags as an alternative to polybags.

"The CCC mayor, with the support of the Ministry of Environment, is working to reduce polythene usage in markets across Chittagong Metropolitan City," Sarkar said.

“If these factories produce and supply a sufficient number of jute products and hand-carrying bags, it will be easier for the government to enforce a ban on polythene use in the market,” CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said while talking to BSS.

He said the major problem of Chittagong is waterlogging, as two-thirds of its areas remain submerged during the monsoon.

“The main reason for waterlogging is the use of non-biodegradable polythene, which clogs the city's drains, canals, and water drainage systems, causing immense suffering to city dwellers every year," he said.

 He said a Tk 300 crore allocation has been sought from the government for cleaning and repairing drains before the next monsoon season.

He stated that every year, crores of taka are wasted on removing polythene and clearing silt from hill-cut soil, and if jute bags and biodegradable alternatives are widely adopted, it will not only help mitigate environmental damage but also save a significant amount of money for the state treasury.

The mayor said, “If the authorities concerned give priority to making bags as an alternative to polythene, it will be helpful in reducing the use of biodegradable polythene.”

He also stressed the need for modernizing the machinery of the mills and factories to get the finest jute products.

In the last fiscal year, 21,816 metric tons of jute products were produced in Amin Jute Mills Ltd. Of this, 11,720 metric tons were exported outside the country.

Meanwhile, some 3,905 metric tons were marketed in the local market. For these productions, 215,130 quintals of jute were purchased directly from farmers.
According to the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation sources, out of the total 26 jute mills, six are in Dhaka, 10 are in Chittagong, and nine are in Khulna, while one jute mill is closed.

The 10 jute mills established in the Chittagong region include Amin Jute Mills Ltd, Gul Ahmed Jute Mills Ltd, Hafiz Jute Mills Ltd, MM Jute Mills Ltd, RR Jute Mills Ltd, Baghdad-Dhaka Carpet Factory, Karnaphuli Jute Mills Ltd, and Furat Karnafuli Carpet Factory.