Govt frames charcoal policy

The government has formulated a "Charcoal Policy, 2022" to establish an eco-friendly, sustainable and export-oriented charcoal industry of international standard. 

It was necessary to formulate a policy for the sake of national interest to increase the production of raw materials for charcoal and develop the industry, said the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

The most common method for producing charcoal in Bangladesh is through the burning, cooling and compressing of jute sticks at a certain temperature.

The charcoal industry bears a lot of potential and is eco-friendly as carbon emissions from jute mills are very low, said the ministry in a press release yesterday.

Three-quarters of charcoal is carbon, which is used as a raw material for water purification, fireworks, lifesaving antitoxin tablets, cosmetics and photocopier and computer ink.

The policy will enable manufacturers and traders to receive government assistance in charcoal production, marketing and export.