State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam today announced that the government is taking several initiatives to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Bangladesh's handloom industry. These initiatives include the development of weavers' skills, the adoption of modern technology, and the promotion of innovative designs. Alam made these remarks while inaugurating the Handloom Training Centre and Basic Centre at Araihazar upazila in Narayanganj. He emphasized that the new center is a significant step towards the development of the country's handloom sector.
Araihazar has a long-standing history as a hub for handloom activities. The establishment of the Basic Centre in 1987 marked the beginning of institutional services for weavers in the area. Currently, the center supports 51 primary and two secondary weavers' cooperative societies. Through this center, loans totaling around Taka 17.49 crore have been disbursed to 2,660 weavers.
Shariful Alam highlighted that products like Jamdani, Benarasi, three-piece dresses, and mosquito nets, produced in Araihazar and neighboring areas, are vital components of Bangladesh's cultural and economic heritage. The government is committed to preserving and modernizing traditional products such as Muslin, Jamdani, and Benarasi, while also expanding their international market presence. Work is currently underway on the Muslin Palli and Jamdani Palli projects in Rupganj.
The state minister also urged investors to contribute to the revival of the jute industry by investing in eco-friendly jute products. Member of Parliament Nazrul Islam Azad, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, and other officials were present at the inauguration ceremony.
The development of the handloom industry is crucial for Bangladesh, as it not only preserves cultural heritage but also provides significant economic benefits. By enhancing the skills of weavers and integrating modern technology, the government aims to ensure the industry's sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.
