An institution called Global Golden Jute and Crafts has been set up in Bhabdia village under sadar upazila of Rajbari district.
Hundreds of different products including bags, vases, flower pots, baskets, doormats, mats, and hats, are being made there from jute and hogla leaves.
Most of the workers in the institution are women. More than 300 helpless rural women have been moving forward in the employment sphere as they are getting as much job opportunities as men.
Because of their huge demands thanks to being eco-friendly, these products are exported to eight countries, including America, Australia, Germany, Japan, China, and Korea.
These products are then sent to the Chittagong port through Dhaka, from where there are then exported to markets abroad.
Shukhjan Begum, 45, a worker in the institution, said: “I am a victim of river erosion. After my husband became old, it was hard for me to manage our family. We were struggling.
“However, after getting a job in this factory, we are doing fine now. My job is to make baskets with jute and hogla leaves.”
Another worker Rokeya Begum said: “About 300 women in this factory are working to run their home just like me. Many widows, elderly women, women whose husband abandoned them, and differently-abled women of this village are doing well by working here.”
In-charge Haji Md Masem said: “Rural women have jobs now that such an eco-friendly institution has been established here. They also have an important role in the economy along with men.
“Besides, we usually collect jute from the local market and hogla leaves from Noakhali.”
The institution’s General Manger and Director of Md Rafikul Islam said: “Although the products are exported to overseas market, they do not reach their destination on time due to navigability crisis and interruption in Paturia-Daulatdia ferry service.
“It would be easier for us to export our products overseas if the concerned authorities were focused to resolve these problems. Then, the foreign exchange earnings of Bangladesh will increase.”
Assistant General Manager of Rajbari’s Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Md Farhad Hossain said: “At least 40 to 50 kinds of environmentally friendly products are being made from jute and hogla leaves in this establishment, because of which at least 300 rural women have employment opportunities.
“Families in poverty now have financial solvency and the products are also earning foreign remittance for the country. If the institution receives financial and other opportunities, it will perform even better.”
He said unemployment in Rajbari will be eliminated if more institutions like this are built here.
