State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam on Saturday said the country’s closed jute mills will be reopened soon as part of government efforts to revive the sector and create employment.

“Jute is deeply rooted in our heritage, culture and way of life. But the sector has fallen behind over time. Reopening the closed jute mills was part of our election pledge, and under the leadership of the prime minister we are working to introduce diversified jute products and generate jobs,” he said.

The state minister made the remarks while visiting the activities and progress of the Textile Vocational Institute project in Pirojpur.

Shariful Alam said the government, despite being relatively new, has already taken several initiatives to make its plans visible within a short time.

“We are taking steps to increase the production of jute and jute seeds, reopen closed mills and create employment opportunities,” he added.

Referring to the ban on plastic in 2001 by then prime minister Khaleda Zia, he said efforts will be renewed to build public awareness against plastic use and encourage the adoption of jute-based products.

“We are also taking initiatives to ensure that various daily-use items in government offices are replaced with jute products,” he said.

Among others present during the visit were Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Joint Secretary Zahid Hossain, Project Director Sadat Opu Sayem and Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department in Pirojpur Md Shahidul Islam, along with local leaders.