Jute Diversification Promotion Centre weaves success for 1,100 entrepreneurs

Step into the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) in Monipuripara, Tejgaon—and you’ll be greeted by a sprawling showroom where thousands of dazzling jute products are proudly on display, showcasing the golden fibre’s stunning transformation.

The collection is nothing short of breathtaking—an exquisite array of handbags, shoes, purses, party bags, bead sheets, earrings, and more, all crafted with care.

Each piece is the handiwork of passionate entrepreneurs from every corner of the country, and all are available for purchase on the spot.

Seema Bose Adara, director (Marketing) at JDPC, said the display and sales centre features 282 different jute products. “Entrepreneurs are welcome to showcase their creations here, and when a product is sold, JDPC ensures the proceeds are promptly sent to the respective entrepreneur,” she said.

The centre records an impressive average monthly sale of Tk50 lakh, with 99% of the items purchased by various government offices. The remaining products attract curious visitors and everyday shoppers who stop by to explore and buy.

Among the many items on display was a striking handbag crafted by Smile Bag Industries Limited.

When contacted, Md Manirul Islam, the founder and managing director of the company, praised JDPC’s role in empowering entrepreneurs.

“JDPC’s display and sales centre is a tremendous support system—it gives us a vital platform to showcase and sell our products,” he said.

To promote the production, use, and expansion of diversified jute products, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute established the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) in 2002.

JDPC’s mission is to foster new entrepreneurs in the field of diversified jute products, promote innovative designs and appropriate technologies, and expand the use of jute by enhancing marketing strategies and techniques.

Seema Bose said that since its inception, the centre has nurtured countless entrepreneurs, offering them multifaceted support.

“Today, JDPC has 1,100 registered entrepreneurs who produce a wide range of jute items for both domestic sales and export markets,” she added.

To strengthen support for entrepreneurs, JDPC has established six Jute Entrepreneurs Service Centres (JESCs) across the country—located in Dhaka, Rangpur, Jashore, Chattogram, Tangail, and Jamalpur.

At these centres, entrepreneurs receive comprehensive training on a range of topics, including skill development, advanced skills, product costing and pricing, versatile jute product marketing, design innovation, and quality enhancement, as well as dyeing and finishing techniques.

The JDPC director said one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is accessing capital from banks. JDPC helps bridge this gap by providing guidance and facilitating connections between entrepreneurs and financial institutions to secure necessary funding.

Entrepreneurs can also purchase raw materials in their required quantities directly from these centres, she said.

JDPC also organises fairs—both independently and in collaboration with other organisations—to promote jute products nationwide.

Additionally, it regularly facilitates meetings between entrepreneurs and buyers to strengthen market linkages.