Dhaka: The government has implemented necessary measures to ensure the availability of quality jute seeds this season, eliminating concerns of any shortage, stated Adviser to the Ministries of Textile and Jute, and Commerce, Sk. Bashir Uddin. He expressed these assurances during a meeting with the leaders of the Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association held at his office in the Ministry of Commerce at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting brought to light issues raised by jute exporters regarding the market dynamics influenced by the export of raw jute. The exporters highlighted that some traders have allegedly begun illegal hoarding to destabilize the market, as mentioned in a press release. This activity has resulted in a continuous rise in jute prices, which benefits hoarders rather than the farmers.
The association leaders emphasized that such practices are causing disorder in the jute market. They cautioned that if illegal hoarding persists, genuine jute farmers and stakeholders in the jute industry would suffer, which could ultimately have adverse effects on the nation’s economy. The leaders urged the government to take prompt action against hoarding activities.
In response to the concerns, Sk. Bashir Uddin declared the government’s commitment to adopting a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy towards illegal jute hoarding. He announced imminent legal actions aimed at curbing hoarding in the four major jute-producing districts of the country.
The meeting was attended by Textile and Jute Ministry Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association President Tapas Pramanik, Vice Chairman Faruk Hossain, and Board Directors Mohammad Shahjahan and Helal Ahmed, among others.