Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC), Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA) and Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA) hailed the government decision for imposing a month-long ban on raw jute export aiming to make the implementation of the Mandatory Use of Jute Product Labeling Law (MJPL) 2010 a success.

The ban has been slapped to increase supply of the fibre for local jute bag and sack-makers, an official at the ministry of textile and jute (MoTJ) said.

The beginning of this jute season, price of the golden fibre was higher in the domestic market mainly due to higher demand in both local and global markets. But heavy rain and flood in July-September period, the jute-growing season caused a yield loss which led to rise in the prices.

Apart from formal export, many traders allegedly hoarded a huge volume of raw jute for which the jute mills were not getting jute as per their requirements.

The government has imposed one month ban for a smooth supply of raw jute for the millers, who are working hand in hand to implement the MJPL. However, mobile courts will also be active against the traders involved in illegal stocking.

Department of Jute (DoJ) director general Muazzem Hussain said that his department has started drives against hoarders. A list has been made according to which they are taking stern action. Five traders have so far been fined for illegal hoarding.

However, raw jute exporters said that they welcome the short-term ban but it should not be for a long term.

Secretary of Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA) Abdul Quayyum said that apart from local jute mills, Nepalese, Pakistani and parts of Indian jute mills totally depend on Bangladeshi raw jute.