Raw jute export benefits spark unrest among local mill owners

Bangladesh Bank’s recent announcement of special loan rescheduling facilities for raw jute exporters has stirred discontent among domestic jute mill owners, who claim the policy is creating a supply crunch and inflating prices for local industries.On Monday, Bangladesh Bank issued a notification allowing raw jute exporters to apply for loan rescheduling with a 2% down payment on their outstanding loans as of December 31, 2024, accompanied by a two-year moratorium. The deadline for submitting applications to banks has been extended until December 31, 2025.Earlier, the rescheduling facility required applications based on loan balances as of March 31, 2024, with a six-month submission period. The move aims to ease financial pressure on exporters amid growing demand for raw jute in international markets.The special facilitation follows a decision by the Ministry of Commerce, which in early September amended the Export Policy 2024–27 to include raw jute in the list of conditionally exportable ...

• 16 Oct 2025