Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood stated that the newly established handloom training centre in Sirajganj will provide significant opportunities for local weavers, transforming them from small entrepreneurs into large-scale business owners and enhancing their contribution to the national economy. The minister highlighted the importance of such centres in industrialization and job creation during the inauguration ceremony held in the sadar upazila.
Enhancing Skills and Modern Technology
Iqbal emphasized that by improving skills and ensuring the use of modern technology, new entrepreneurs would emerge at the local level, making economic activities more dynamic. The centre, built by the Bangladesh Handloom Board, is expected to play a crucial role in this transformation.
Economic and Cultural Significance
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam noted that Sirajganj is a major hub of Bangladesh's handloom industry, with around 50,000 weavers and over 100,000 people directly and indirectly involved in the sector. He stressed that the handloom industry is not only a cornerstone of the local economy but also a unique expression of the country's heritage, culture, and creativity.
Alam added that the newly established Handloom Training Centre and Basic Centre would serve as effective platforms for developing skilled human resources, expanding modern technology, promoting innovative designs, and creating new entrepreneurs. The centre aims to secure employment and create self-employment opportunities for young men, women, and weavers.
The state minister further noted that Sirajganj's lungi and gamcha have received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, helping to showcase Bangladesh's heritage on the international stage. He emphasized the need to focus on product quality, modern designs, branding, and consolidating the products' position in international markets.
Alam announced that weavers are being provided with loans at an easy 4 percent interest rate, enabling marginal weavers to expand their production activities. The government plans to bring more weavers under this scheme in the future. The Sirajganj Basic Centre, established in 1987, oversees 35 primary and one secondary weavers' cooperative society, having provided approximately Tk 12.68 crore in loan assistance to 2,282 weavers.
