Textiles and Jute Minister Khandker Abdul Muktadir inaugurated a Multipurpose Jute Products Fair 2026 at Shaheed Zia Hall in Narayanganj. Photo : BSS

NARAYANGANJ, April 25, 2026 (BSS)- Textiles and Jute Minister Khandker Abdul Muktadir has said the government has a plan to establish a jute industry cluster in Narayangonj.

Jute production, research, training and marketing will be conducted under one framework in the cluster, he said. 

The minister said this while inaugurating a Multipurpose Jute Products Fair 2026 at Shaheed Zia Hall in the city here today.

The minister said the proposed cluster would create employment opportunities locally and strengthen the national economy. 

Muktadir said, Narayanganj is not just a district; it is a historic center of country’s industrialization. Once known as the hub of the country’s jute industry, it earned the title ‘Dundee of the East’ and has made significant contributions to the national economy,” he added.

The minister said jute is gaining importance as an environment friendly alternative to plastic, especially amid growing concerns over climate change. So, the government is working to boost the production and exports of the jute and diversified jute products, he said.

There is target of earning $900 million from the jute sector this fiscal, out of which approximately $490 million has already been earned, the minister said adding Bangladesh at the top in jute production and raw jute export.

Pointing out the challenge of jute sector the minister said lack of quality seeds, rising production cost, inadequate market access and unfair price are among the problems the farmers face.

To address the issues, the government plans to achieve self-sufficiency in jute seed production, enhance product design and branding and provide loan facilities to jute entrepreneurs, he said. 

Efforts are also underway to promote innovative uses of jute, such as producing yarn, charcoal from jute sticks and eco-friendly bags, he added.
“Jute is not just an agricultural product; it has the potential to become a key pillar of our economy,” the minister said, adding that initiatives are being taken to expand both domestic use and international markets of jute and jute products.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam and other officials were also present at the event.