Initiatives Taken to Reopen Closed Jute Mills and Textile Factories: State Minister Shariful Alam

PNN News Desk | Tangail

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Mohammad Shariful Alam has said that the government has taken initiatives to reopen closed jute mills, industrial units, and textile factories across different parts of the country.

He said that reopening these industries would bring new momentum to the relevant sectors and create more employment opportunities at the local level.

The state minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a Handloom Training Centre and Basic Centre in Bajitpur area of Tangail on Saturday (August 1).

Shariful Alam said the Prime Minister had promised in the election manifesto to reopen closed jute mills, industrial establishments, and textile factories. As part of implementing that commitment, the government is taking necessary steps gradually.

“Not only Tangail, but closed factories in different parts of the country are being considered for reopening. We hope these industries will become active again and create new employment opportunities for local people,” he said.

Highlighting Tangail’s traditional handloom industry, the state minister said Tangail’s famous handloom sarees, once widely recognized both nationally and internationally, are now facing various challenges. Similarly, the jute and silk industries have also gradually lost their previous position.

He said there had been a lack of effective initiatives for a long time to protect these traditional industries. The government is now working under the Prime Minister’s guidance to preserve declining industries and make them attractive to the younger generation.

Emphasizing the importance of improving the skills of handloom workers through modern technology, Shariful Alam said many weavers are struggling to produce new products and compete in the market due to a lack of proper training and experience.

He said, “Initiatives have been taken to make weavers skilled through modern and time-befitting training. This will help restore the heritage of the handloom industry and create opportunities for new markets.”

The state minister also mentioned plans to provide easy-term loan facilities along with training support for marginal weavers. He expressed hope that such assistance would increase production and help weavers become economically self-reliant.

The event was chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Sharif Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury. Textile-related businessmen, weavers, government officials, and local dignitaries attended the program.