Use of jute bags mandatory for packaging 11 commodities

The government has made use of jute bags mandatory for packaging 11 commodities -- onion, ginger, garlic, pulses, potato, flour, chili, turmeric, coriander seeds and husks of rice and wheat.

In December 2015, the jute ministry issued a similar order for six products -- paddy, rice, wheat, corn, fertiliser and sugar.

With Tuesday's order, use of jute is now compulsory in the preservation and transporting of 20 kg or more of the 17 commodities.

Ministry officials said mobile courts will be operated across the country to ensure the enforcement of the mandatory jute bag packaging.

The Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010 provides for one year imprisonment or a penalty of Tk 50,000 for violation of its provisions.

A second time offence under the Act will lead to double the penalty.