18 February, 2025

Al Jazeera Arabic prominently features the huge prospects of Bangladesh’s jute products

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Al Jazeera Arabic has prominently featured the immense potential of Bangladesh’s jute products. In late April, an Al Jazeera Arabic team visited Bangladesh and toured the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre in Dhaka, organized by The BLITZ team. BLITZ, a newspaper renowned for promoting Bangladesh’s development through international media outlets, consistently highlights the country’s progress and governmental initiatives on a global scale.

Following this visit, Al Jazeera Arabic recently published an exclusive article titled “Bangladesh: Largest Exporter as Golden Jute Fiber Returns to Global Markets.”

The article underscores Bangladesh’s pivotal role as the world’s largest exporter of jute, a natural fiber experiencing a resurgence in global markets. Despite its significance in Bangladesh, many Arab, Asian, and African nations remain unfamiliar with jute, which ranks as the world’s second-largest fiber crop after cotton. This lack of awareness extends to products made from jute fibers, increasingly valued for their sustainability amid global shifts away from synthetic materials like plastic and industrial dyes.

Jute, a plant thriving in subtropical climates, is renowned for its versatility and ecological benefits. Its fibers, often referred to as “golden fibers” due to their monetary value and natural sheen, undergo a rigorous process from cultivation to final product. Initially, the plant’s stems are separated, cleaned, and immersed in clay or silt for further refinement into usable fibers.

The versatility of jute fibers is showcased in a myriad of products, ranging from robust ropes and threads to bags, shoes, carpets, and even partitions for office and home furniture. This diversity was on full display at a recent jute exhibition in Dhaka, attended by Al Jazeera Net correspondents, where hundreds of products manufactured in Bangladesh were showcased and exported to approximately 135 countries worldwide.

Bangladesh’s annual jute production stands impressively at 1.6 million tons, a testament to its significant global market presence. This production volume contributes to Bangladesh’s status as the second-largest producer of jute globally, trailing only behind India, which dominates with 55% of the world’s jute production. China follows, albeit with a substantial production gap.

The economic impact of Bangladesh’s jute industry is profound, with annual exports exceeding one billion dollars. This underscores Bangladesh’s pivotal role not only in jute production but also in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and eco-friendly consumer choices globally. As awareness grows and demand increases, Bangladesh is poised to further enhance its position in the global jute market, leveraging its rich agricultural traditions and commitment to environmental stewardship.

The surge in demand for jute products from Bengal at the turn of the 19th century and into the early 20th century was intricately tied to global conflicts and significant international events. Historical events such as the American Civil War (1861-1865) and the Crimean War (1853-1856) heightened the need for jute, a versatile material crucial for packaging and military uses. However, ongoing conflicts, such as the current war in Russia and Sudan, have disrupted jute exports to these volatile regions, impacting economic stability.

Moreover, the expansion of the Dutch East India Company’s sugar production on Java necessitated the use of jute sacks and bags sourced from Bengal. By the late 19th century, Calcutta, now Kolkata, emerged as a pivotal commercial hub in West Bengal, serving as the primary center for exporting jute products worldwide. By 1882, over 10,000 workers were employed in jute factories across areas now encompassed by Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, many of which were under foreign ownership. This historical context underscores Bengal’s pivotal role in the global jute trade, driven by industrial demand and geopolitical dynamics of the era.

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The post Al Jazeera Arabic prominently features the huge prospects of Bangladesh’s jute products appeared first on BLiTZ.

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