Bangladesh’s national pavilion in the COP31 Blue Zone has also attracted visitors with interactive displays and virtual reality (VR).
Jute products were showcased in Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on 14 November 2026. Photo: TBS
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Jute products were showcased in Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on 14 November 2026. Photo: TBS
A long queue of international visitors has become a familiar sight outside Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. Some wait for jute dolls or toy horses, while others browse colourful bags, sandals, toys and even blazers made from the natural fibre.
For many, it is their first glimpse of how Bangladesh’s traditional golden fibre can be transformed into everyday products beyond conventional sacks and ropes.
Displaying the slogan “Jute: Golden Fiber of Bangladesh”, the pavilion has emerged as a popular stop at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference. Visitors examine the products, photograph the displays and ask about their uses, with many leaving with jute souvenirs.
Kallol Kanti Das, an official of the event management company, told TBS that more than 129 types of jute products had been brought to showcase the country’s diverse range of jute-based goods.
“People are amazed to see what can be made from jute. This shows the huge potential of Bangladesh’s golden fibre in the international market,” he said. The collection includes shopping bags, footwear, decorative items, toys, accessories and clothing.
Products made of jute were showcased in Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on 14 November 2026. Photo: TBS
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Products made of jute were showcased in Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on 14 November 2026. Photo: TBS
Visitors see an alternative to plastic
Gilin Nantume, a COP31 participant who visited the pavilion, said biodegradable products could help tackle plastic pollution.
“Everywhere we look, plastic pollution is causing enormous damage to our environment and biodiversity. Plastic has become a major threat to the planet. Using biodegradable products like these could be one of the best ways to address the problem,” Nantume told TBS.
Jute is a renewable, plant-based fibre that is biodegradable under suitable conditions, although the environmental benefits of finished products depend on their processing, dyes and coatings.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the exhibition on Thursday with his wife, examined bags, footwear, blazers and other products and enquired about their uses and export prospects.
Blue Zone pavilion showcases climate challenges
Bangladesh’s national pavilion in the COP31 Blue Zone has also attracted visitors with interactive displays and virtual reality (VR) experiences highlighting the country’s climate vulnerabilities.
Products made of jute were showcased in Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on 14 November 2026. Photo: TBS
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Products made of jute were showcased in Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on 14 November 2026. Photo: TBS
Visitors can experience the challenges faced by aid workers in flood-affected communities and take a virtual journey contrasting Cox’s Bazar’s natural beauty with growing pollution threats. The pavilion also showcases Bangladesh’s climate strategies, adaptation plans and resilience initiatives.
Shah Rafayet Chowdhury, co-founder and president of Footsteps Bangladesh, is among the youth leaders involved in planning and managing visitor engagement. Youth-led organisations, including Footsteps, Go UP Foundation and Youth4NDCs, have helped promote Bangladesh’s presence at the conference.
Jute has long supported Bangladesh’s agricultural economy and export trade, providing livelihoods for farmers, traders and mill workers. Its expanding use in fashion, footwear and household goods offers opportunities for export diversification.
Turning the international interest generated at COP31 into sustained demand, however, will require competitive prices, consistent quality, reliable supplies and effective marketing.
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