Seminar on “FUTURE OF THE GOLDEN FIBER”

Samina Akter Rupa

Speakers said about the current market position and business possibilities of the main cash
crop of Bangladesh, Jute on a seminar titled “FUTURE OF THE GOLDEN FIBER”.

This seminar was organized by BIZ BEE on 13th October, 2010 in GDLN Conference Room of
BRAC University. The Chief Guest Speaker, Dr. Kamal Uddin who is the director General of
Bangladesh Jute Research Institute and working for 33 years on Jute research said that
Bangladeshi Scientists invented new technologies and methods for producing high quality
of jute and the latest invention was the Gene mapping of jute which helped it to gain
international recognition.

Different varieties of Jute like 0-9897, 0-72, Bangkim, Lagan and many more are producing
in Bangladesh and demand of jute products are increasing significantly in international
market. One of the most demanding products is Fire Retardant Jute Fiber and Fabrics
which doesn’t blemished by Fire. Other products are Wool, Bucket, Sweater, Sock, Blanket,
Prayer mat, Bag, Mat, Napkin, Bandage, Curtain, Cloth, Thread, Plastic, Paper, Acid, Oil,
jeans and so on. Dr. Kamal Uddin also showed some samples of those products and inspired
the students to use them in their daily life.

Mr. Mahmudul Haq, Vice-Chairman of Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association was the Guest
Speaker of this event. He also shared his experiences with the students. He said that
business related to jute is very profitable for this country but for taking some wrong
decision by our government this sector is facing loses. Government is not showing much
interest and political issues are also related with this. Mr. Mahmudul Haq showed a graph
which presented the year wise export of Jute Goods by BJMC (Bangladesh Jute Mills
Corporation), BJMA (Bangladesh Jute Mills Association) and BJSA (Bangladesh Jute
Spinners Association).

The Chief Guest of this seminar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, Dr. Ainun Nishat is
now engaged with the construction of PADMA Bridge and shared that he is going to use jute
bags for keeping heavy stones inside the water under the bridge. Pro Vice- Chancellor Dr.
Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Registrar Mr. Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury and faculties of BRAC
University were also present there. The seminar was followed by a Q & A session and the
student got significant answer of their question.