Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the Finance Minister for allocating necessary funds for jute mills across the country so that those can buy adequate jute they need.
The directive came at the Cabinet's regular meeting at Secretariat on Monday, with the Prime Minister in the chair.
According to a minister attending the meeting, Finance Minister AMA Muhith takes the least interest in more investment in the jute sector, although the government wants to develop the local jute mills for creating more  employment for the youths.
The Prime Minister intervened while a hot debate between the Finance Minister and State Minister for Textile and Jute Mirza Azam drew her attention during the Cabinet meeting. Muhith's rejection of an informal proposal from Azam for allocating more money for the jute mills evoked the debate. Mirza Azam requested the Finance Minister saying: "The jute mills are now in a position to be profitable. But those are now facing financial constraint.. It would be possible for them to be profitable if they get financial support from the government."Muhith replied: "We have given lot of money for the jute mills. But those failed to gain profit. At present, the Finance Ministry is planning not to give more money for the non-profitable sector."
Their open discussion turned into a hot debate while some ministers also interfered. Finally, the Prime Minister asked Muhith to continue financial supports to the jute sector, terming it a 'growing sector'. "We must have to continue supporting the sector as it has a prospect in Bangladesh in future. The government wants to improve the jute mills for creating more employment. The government also wants to give incentive for the jute farmers," she added.