The global availability and rising use of low-cost synthetic fibres have placed jute products at risk in international markets, Textile and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir told the parliament today.

Responding to a question from reserved seat MP Selina Sultana, the minister highlighted the challenges facing Bangladesh’s jute exports in his scripted reply. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad tabled the question-and-answer session.

Muktadir noted that despite significant export potential, jute products continue to face multiple structural and market-related hurdles. These include the widespread use of cheaper synthetic fibres, outdated technology in most jute mills, lack of internationally standard laboratory testing facilities, and weak branding and market exploration.

He added that initiatives are underway to address these barriers.

Replying to a separate question from Jamalpur-3 MP Mostafizur Rahman Babul, the minister said that on July 1, 2020, the then government shut down production at 25 mills run by the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC), while 20 were slated for reopening under private lease management.

He further informed the parliament that so far 14 mills have been leased out, of which nine are already operational. Work is ongoing to lease out six more mills, while the remaining units are expected to reopen under private management by December this year, in line with the government’s 31-point plan.