DHAKA: A parliamentary panel Wednesday urged the government to formulate a jute policy and reopen 7 closed jute mills, as the sector holds fresh prospects for revival.

The parliamentary standing committee on Textiles and Jute Ministry made the strong plea from a meeting which was informed about finance ministry’s decision on disbursement of Tk 1800 crore from the nationalized banks for the debt relief of the closed mills so that their wheels can be rolling once again.

The Finance Ministry has taken the decision following request from the Textiles and Jute Ministry, a meeting source told banglanews24.com.bd.

Akhterujjaman Chowdhury, president of the committee, presided over the meeting that asked for formulating the jute policy within a month.

The lawmakers also emphasized resuming production in the second unit of Adamjee Jute Mills, Peoples Jute Mills and Kowmi Jute Mills.

Moreover, the meeting decided on restart of production in BJMC-run Doulotpur Jute Mill, Karnaphuli Jute Mill, SM Jute Mill and the 2nd unit of Rajshahi Jute Mill.

The mills will require raw materials costing Tk 500 crore, the meeting estimated.

The parliamentarians’ body also took decision on establishment of a Textile University under the ministry of education, said the meeting sources.

In view of the rejuvenation of the once-famous jute sector, the meeting recommended introducing incentive package for jute farmers like readymade garment sector, definite pay scale to keep talented textile engineers in the country and posting jute-specialist trade counselor in Bangladesh missions in different countries of the world.

BDST 1736 HRS, AUGUST 25, 2010