Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi said that if the government and the relevant stakeholders of the rubber sector work closely, it will be possible to increase the production of rubber and reduce import dependence. The interest of rubber-based industry entrepreneurs to use domestic natural rubber will increase.
The minister said these things in the closing ceremony of the 1st natural rubber and rubber-based industrial products fair organized by Bangladesh Rubber Board at the gymnasium ground adjacent to MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday afternoon. Bangladesh Rubber Board Chairman Syeda Sarwar Jahan presided over the inauguration ceremony. Bangladesh Rubber Garden Owners Association President Muhammad Haroon, Wellcast Group Chairman Md. Arif Hasnain were present as special guests.
The Minister said that under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the present government is implementing various programs for the development and expansion of rubber and rubber-based industries. The contribution of the rubber industry to the national economy is steadily increasing. If this sector is developed, the poor people will benefit as well as it will play a role in solving the unemployment problem. Extensive employment of men and women is possible through rubber cultivation. Pahari-Bengali women/men are employed in the factory in tending garden plants, taping, making rubber sheets from latex.
He said, the rubber tree known as "white gold" is not the only one that produces valuable rubber. These trees play an important role in protecting the natural balance of the environment. Absorbs comparatively more carbon dioxide than any other plant. While rubber cultivation can play a significant role in economic development, it also contributes equally to environmental protection. Rubber plantations also play a role in conservation of biodiversity, habitat for wild animals.
