The speakers also demanded resumption of full-fledged production in 22 state-run jute mills. They were speaking at the seminar titled 'What to Do to Develop the Jute Sector', jointly organised by Action Aid Bangladesh, a non-governmental organisation, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), and Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad (BUP) in Dhaka on Monday.

"The degradation of jute sector and the emergence of apparel sector took place simultaneously. If the RMG fails, there is no other potential sector to earn money," said Chairman of BUP Dr Quazi Kholiquzzaman.

If the jute sector is nurtured, the sector can emerge as a major foreign currency earner, he added.

As the use of environment-friendly jute products is increasing across the world, the government should take special measures to increase the productivity and expand export markets of jute goods, Kholiquzzaman said.

He also called for formation of a national committee to make recommendations to revive the jute sector.

Former adviser to the caretaker government Sultana Kamal called for measures to revive the jute sector.

The seminar was also told that workers of government-run jute mills owe Tk 130 crore to the government.

Wazedul Islam Khan, secretary of BILS, chaired the seminar.