State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam -File Photo

DHAKA, April 5, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam said today that the government is working to reopen closed jute mills under the Prime Minister’s directive to boost employment and strengthen the economy.

He made the remark during a courtesy meeting with the representatives of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jute Sramik Dal at his office at the Secretariat here.

The State Minister said the government is proceeding with plans to lease out 20 mills under private management, of which the leasing process for 14 mills has already been completed.

He added that the demands related to jute mills and workers would be carefully considered. “This sector did not receive adequate attention during the previous government, we will take prompt steps to implement the demands,” he said.

The meeting was held under the leadership of Saeed Al Noman, MP from Chattogram-10 constituency and president of the organization’s central committee.

Speaking at the meeting, Saeed Al Noman urged the government to reopen the closed jute mills on a pilot basis under state management.

Leaders of the workers’ organization said that bringing technical assistance from developed countries could help improve the sector. 

At the meeting, the organization’s General Secretary, Abul Khayer Khaja, submitted an eight-point written demand. 

Key demands include reopening the mills under state management, banning the import and use of raw materials for polythene, recognizing jute as an agro-based industry with related benefits, clearing all outstanding dues of workers and taking measures to protect the valuable machinery of those mills.