Sadia Sultana Rimi

The survival of the domestic paper industry is a very important issue in the economy and culture of Bangladesh. In this era of globalization, the easy availability of foreign paper and the use of modern technology have put the domestic paper industry in a difficult position. The demise of this industry will not only cause economic losses, but will also have a negative impact on our heritage, culture and employment.

Almost all countries, both developed and underdeveloped, try to strengthen their industrial base. There is no alternative to developing their own industry to strengthen their own economic base and ensure employment for their own people. Undoubtedly, Bangladesh also wants the same, but sometimes some decisions of the government and their misuse undermine that continuity. One such decision is to allow the import of paper for printing textbooks under the duty-free bond facility.

Paper is not just a medium for writing, it is a carrier of civilization's progress and culture. A rich tradition of handmade paper has existed in our country since ancient times. The use of indigenous paper was essential in manuscripts, manuscripts and various folk crafts. Keeping this traditional art alive means respecting the knowledge and creations of our ancestors. Even in the modern era, handmade paper has a special appeal, which foreign machine-made paper cannot offer. Its texture, durability and eco-friendly features make it unique.

The domestic paper industry has a significant contribution to the economy of Bangladesh. This industry continues to directly and indirectly create employment for thousands of people. Its role, especially in the rural economy, is undeniable. Many factories are being operated as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are helpful in the livelihood of the local community. If the dependence on foreign paper increases, these jobs will be at risk, which is a threat to the overall economic stability of the country. In addition, domestic paper production saves the country valuable foreign exchange, which can be invested in other important sectors.

The domestic paper industry, especially where waste or recycled materials are used, is very beneficial for the environment. Many domestic paper factories emphasize eco-friendly production processes, which use less energy and generate less waste. In the case of importing foreign paper, long transportation routes increase carbon emissions. Producing paper locally reduces pressure on the environment and supports sustainable development. In addition, paper is a renewable resource and its recycling plays an important role in environmental protection.

Due to lack of proper supervision, an unscrupulous group is importing huge quantities of paper and selling it in the open market in violation of the terms and conditions. As a result, the existence of the domestic paper industry is under threat.

The number of registered paper mills in the country is 128. Of these, 106 mills have a paper production capacity of 1.6 million metric tons per year.

The domestic demand for paper is 9 lakh metric tons. The mills are exporting the excess paper to more than 40 countries to meet the domestic demand. This is earning a huge amount of foreign exchange. This sector directly employs 2.5 million people and indirectly, the livelihood of 10 million people depends on this industry.

Domestic paper industry entrepreneurs have invested about one lakh crore taka in this sector. More than 300 supporting industries have been developed in the country centered on the paper industry. This sector has been generating a revenue of five thousand crore taka every year. As an import substitution industry, it is saving a large amount of foreign exchange.

According to a report published in the newspaper, domestic mills have the capacity to supply all the required papers as per the specifications set by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB).

For 20 years, the domestic mills have been supplying the paper purchased directly by NCTB, maintaining the prescribed quality standards and complying with all the conditions of NCTB. Despite this, the applicable customs and regulatory duties (RD) for paper imports are waived. As a result, the printing houses that have received NCTB work orders are importing printing paper without duty without purchasing paper from domestic mills and are selling it in the open market, violating the conditions of import under duty-free facilities, which is a great threat to the existence of the domestic paper industry. Recently, the Bangladesh Paper Mills Association (BPMA) presented this information to the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and proposed to withdraw the duty-free facility on imports. In an application submitted to the Education Advisor on behalf of the organization earlier, it was said that despite the production capacity of domestic paper mills being more than the country's demand, paper is being imported from abroad under duty-free facilities and is being sold in the open market. This has put the domestic paper industry under threat. In this situation, BPMA has proposed withdrawing the decision to waive customs duties on the import of paper for printing.

The domestic paper industry today faces several serious challenges: The availability of foreign paper at low prices and with improved finishing is the biggest challenge for the domestic industry. Due to the lack of modern production technology, domestic factories are lagging behind in quality and production. The increase in the price of raw materials for papermaking, such as pulp, or waste paper, is increasing the cost of production. At times, the lack of government policy support or incentives makes the industry weak. Weakness in marketing and branding of domestic paper is a major problem.

To address these challenges and sustain the existence of the domestic paper industry, it is essential to take coordinated initiatives: Investment in modern and environmentally friendly production technology is essential. This will reduce production costs and also increase the quality of the products. The government should provide policy support such as duty reduction, subsidies, and easy credit facilities. This will enable domestic producers to compete with foreign competition. Domestic paper producers will have to improve the quality of their products and come up with new designs and variations. Emphasis can be placed on specific sectors such as handmade paper, environmentally friendly paper, or specialized paper. Awareness among consumers about the use of domestic products should be increased. The concept of 'Made in Bangladesh' should be popularized. Research and development should be encouraged to develop new raw materials and environmentally friendly production processes.

Keeping the indigenous paper industry alive is not just an economic decision, it is our commitment to our heritage, culture and environment. Only the combined efforts of the government, industry entrepreneurs and consumers can safeguard this important industry for the future. Will we allow our rich heritage to fade away, or will we collectively join the struggle to preserve its existence?

The writer is student, Mathematics Department,Jagannath University.She can be reached at email sadia15.jnu@gmail.com