The government has finalised the Charcoal Policy 2022 to help flourish a sustainable and international-standard charcoal industry in the country and grab export potentials of the non-traditional item.
The policy also aims at increasing charcoal production to create more employment and ensure efficient use of jute-stalks.
The Ministry of Textiles and Jute (MoTJ) issued a notification in this regard on May 26.
Charcoal is a kind of coal that is produced from jute-stalks. It is used in water purification and as a raw material for manufacturing fireworks, anti-toxin tablet, beauty products, and inks for photocopiers and computers. The oil extracted from charcoal is also used in producing tar and bitumen.
There is 75 per cent carbon in charcoal, which has huge export potentials, according to the policy.
At present, there are some 40 charcoal factories across the country, especially in Faridpur, Magura and Rajbari, which export about 7,071.40 tonnes of charcoal each year and earn Tk 400 million.
By raising charcoal production, the country can increase its export and revenue earnings, and can create additional direct and indirect employment opportunities for some 20,000 people.
As jute-stalks emit very low level of carbon, the sector can be considered as an environment-friendly one, it also said.
The policy recommended the related agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Department of Environment, and the Bangladesh Bank to take necessary measures to help flourish the sector.
The Department of Environment is authorised to monitor and implement the policy, according to it.
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