Siam Ahmed:

Various types of handloom products including Sari, Lungi and Gamchha (towel) produced in Belkuchi, Enayetpur, Shahzadpur, Chowhali and Sirajganj Sadar upazila are getting popularity at abroad day by day after meeting the domestic demand due to maintaining international standard.

Sources said, Sirajganj is widely recognized as a hub of the traditional handloom industry. There are over 250,000 weaving factories including both the power-looms and handlooms in operation at different villages of Sirajganj Sadar, Belkuchi, Enayetpur, Shahjadpur, Ullapara and Chowhali upazila of the district.

This thriving industry directly involves around one million people, making it a vital driver of the district’s economy. Every year, the handloom sector in Sirajganj produces goods worth about Tk 15 billion.

For this reason, the handloom industry has been officially chosen for the district’s branding, under the name ‘Tatkunjo Sirajganj’.

With the break of dawn, the weaving villages of Sirajganj used to come alive with the rhythmic clatter of handlooms. Over time, modernity has touched these weaving factories. To increase production, each factory now uses power-looms to make Lungis and towels. Weavers Shah Alam, Sahed Ali, Sobahan, Sufia and Jahanara said that, ahead of Eid, the factory owners have resumed operations. As a result, we are now much busier than earlier. Just a few days ago, the looms were often shut down, and that brought hardship to our households. Now the looms have started operation again and our financial struggles have eased.

A loom owner Imran Khan from Enayetpur said that, “The hand-woven Lungis and towels produced in this region are in high demand across the country. Traders from all over Bangladesh come to here to purchase these products.”

He added, “Large companies often rebrand our products and sell them under their own labels.”

Due to high demand, weavers of this region are now passing busy time targeting good profit ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Baidyanath, General Secretary of the Belkuchi Loom Owners’ Association said that, “Around 250,000 looms are operating in the district giving an employment facility to nearly one million people. The high-quality hand-woven products crafted by these artisans have earned a reputation that now extends beyond national borders. It is a matter of great pride for us,” he said.

“The recognition of our locally produced Lungis and towels as Geographical Indication (GI) products, our sense of pride has only deepened,” he added.

Haji Abdul Baki, President of the Loom Owners’ Association, remarked, “This recognition is the result of our hard works and dedication. We believe it will pave the way for further growth and expansion of our business.”

He added, “Large companies across the country purchase our Lungis and towels and export them abroad. Our handwoven textiles, produced in Sirajganj, are now reaching countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and many others. This global reach of our local craftsmanship is a source of great pride for us.”