Abul Khair Group has taken an initiative to revive closed and struggling private-sector jute mills, with the aim of creating employment opportunities for at least 15,000 workers and boosting the country’s jute exports.

Instead of setting up new factories, the group is utilising the infrastructure and production capacity of existing closed mills to restart operations.

Production has already resumed at Rajzak Jute Industries, Faridpur Jute Mill and Damashi Jute Mill in Faridpur, Ahian Jute Mill in Khulna, Nasir Jute Mill in Kushtia and AR Jute Mill in Magura.

Jute yarn produced at the mills is already being exported to international markets, including Turkey and China.

The group has set a target of exporting around 80,000 metric tonnes of jute yarn and jute products annually. It is working to achieve exports worth around Tk1,500 crore by December 2026.

The initiative has created direct and indirect employment opportunities for more than 15,000 people, according to the group.

Abul Khair Group has also applied to the relevant authorities seeking permission to restart three to four more closed state-owned jute mills.

Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, head of corporate affairs and legal at Abul Khair Group, said many private-sector jute mills had remained closed for years due to various challenges.

“Instead of setting up new factories, we decided to utilise the infrastructure and production capacity of existing closed mills. This will help revive closed industries while creating new employment and export opportunities,” he said.

He said Bangladesh’s jute is internationally recognised for its quality and that global demand for environmentally friendly products is increasing.

“Bangladesh’s jute has strong potential in the global market. Our next goal is to increase the production and export of high-value, value-added jute products,” Sheikh Shabab Ahmed said.

He said the initiative was aimed not only at restarting closed factories but also at creating jobs, earning foreign currency, revitalising local economies and establishing a strong and sustainable market for jute growers.

“Bringing closed factories back into production, creating employment and restoring Bangladesh’s golden fibre to a stronger position in the global market are among our key objectives,” he added.