Dhaka, Jan. 4 -- Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA) on Sunday urged the government to completely suspend raw jute exports, warning that continued exports amid declining production and soaring prices could severely damage the country's jute industry.

The demand was formally placed through an application submitted on January 1 to the commerce and textiles and jute ministries.

On Sunday, a delegation of the association met with commerce and textiles adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin to reiterate their concerns.

According to the association, raw jute production declined in the last season due to natural disasters and other adverse factors.

Although the government allowed conditional exports of raw jute through a gazette notification in ...