Agriculturalists, politicians and civil society members yesterday urged the caretaker government to formulate a pro-people jute policy and reject the prescriptions of World Bank and IMF for safeguarding the jute sector.
They also suggested to form a jute commission, which will make short-term and long-term planning for making jute as a profitable sector and helping the people working in jute sector.
Nagorik Sanghati in association with ActionAid Bangladesh organised the seminar on 'Livelihood security and jute policy' at the National Press Club in the city.
Agriculturist and Awami League leader Dr Abdur Razzak said pro-people jute policy is needed for re-opening the closed jute factories and making the jute sector profitable.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Chairman and renowned economist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said the cost of jute production is very expensive due to lack of a skilled management.
“Our jute industry is now a loss-making sector due to its privatisation. The government should provide low-interest loan to farmers for producing jute,” TIB chief said.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haque Inu proposed to form a Tk 7000-crore jute fund where jute farmers, workers and mill-factory labours would get loan with only 3.0 percent interest.
Journalist Golam Morturza moderated the seminar where Workers' Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon, former jute minister Sheikh Shahidul Islam, workers' leader Shahidulla Chowdhury and agriculturist advocate SMA Sabur also addressed.