Khulna: A total of Taka 5,971.40 crore has been earned in the 2024-25 fiscal year by exporting jute, jute goods, shrimp, vegetables, and fruits from the Khulna region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) sources in Khulna attributed the increase in exports to the improved global economy and the positive image of Bangladesh abroad during the interim government's period.
EPB data indicated that the earnings from exports in the Khulna region rose from Tk 5,376.17 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal year to Tk 5,971.40 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The export of frozen shrimp alone accounted for Tk 1,990.39 crore, with a total of 13,019.80 tonnes exported. Other goods such as 'Kuchia' (eel fish), crab, vegetables, raw jute, and jute products also saw an increase in exports.
According to EPB sources, the monthly export earnings for the 2024-25 fiscal year were detailed as follows: Tk 517.68 crore in July, Tk 447.53 crore in August, Tk 601.98 crore in September, Tk 566.96 crore in October, Tk 523.13 crore in November, Tk 457.37 crore in December, Tk 423.65 crore in January, Tk 402.52 crore in February, Tk 438.91 crore in March, Tk 550.87 crore in April, Tk 611.69 crore in May, and Tk 429.11 crore in June, 2025.
Zeenat Ara, Director of Khulna EPB, emphasized that the stable foreign currency situation and the restored image of Bangladesh have contributed to the increase in exports. She noted the previous year's decline in exports due to the closure of government jute mills and shrimp factories. However, recent visits by Textiles and Jute Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin have raised hopes for Khulna's export resurgence, with plans to lease out closed jute mills to the private sector.
Md Abdul Baki, Ex-Vice President of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA), stated that the favorable business environment in the country is encouraging the export of shrimp, jute, and other products. He mentioned that of the 63 shrimp processing factories in Khulna, 33 remained closed in the 2023-24 fiscal year due to reduced production and demand in international markets.
Sharif Fazlur Rahman, a jute trader and ex-Vice-President of the Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA), highlighted the growing global demand for raw jute and jute goods, which is revitalizing Khulna's export potential. He criticized the Awami League government's policies, claiming they adversely affected the jute sector in the past.