TDS Desk:

The once-ambitious “Sheikh Hasina Nakshi Palli” project, originally expanded under the influence of former state minister Mirza Azam, is now being scaled back by the interim government as part of a sweeping revision.

The new plan, renamed “Jamalpur Nakshi Palli,” proposes a 72% reduction in project costs and a significant downsizing of its scope.

Officials concerned have also hinted that the project might be shelved altogether if the new development project proposal (DPP) fails to secure government approval.

The Nakshi Palli project was first proposed to create a specialised area for artists, artisans, and weavers in the Kompur area of Jamalpur. Approved by the Awami League government in March 2019, the project was set to be completed by June 2025.

The initial budget was estimated at Tk722 crore with a plan that required acquiring 300 acres of land, most of which was highly fertile farmland.

However, six years on, the project has made no progress, primarily due to funding constraints, land acquisition issues, and political interference. Farmers and local communities have repeatedly voiced their concerns about losing agricultural land, which supports three crops annually and sustains their livelihoods.

Md Ayub Ali, chief of planning and implementation at the Bangladesh Handloom Board, stated, “More than five years have passed, but no funds have been released for the project yet. Initially, the plan was to implement the project on a smaller scale, but later it was decided to expand it, which would require a large amount of agricultural land.”

POLITICAL INFLUENCE PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE PROJECT’S DELAY.

Mirza Azam, the former state minister for textiles and jute and ex-member of parliament for Jamalpur-3 (Melandah-Madariganj), reportedly insisted on enlarging the project’s scale. His push to expand the project to 300 acres led to resistance from farmers and increased project costs.The revised plan under the interim government significantly reduces the project’s budget to Tk200 crore and scales it down to accommodate 500 entrepreneurs instead of the originally planned 3,500.

Ayub Ali noted, “The biggest problem for entrepreneurs is the procurement of raw materials. Therefore, a textile unit will be set up to provide raw material support. Additionally, a world-class display centre and a weekly market will be established, where domestic and international buyers can purchase Nakshi products.”

The revised plan seeks to balance economic development with farmers’ concerns, aiming to minimise land acquisition while focusing on outsourcing and cluster-based employment.

CONCERNS OVER LIVELIHOODS

Jamalpur’s farmers depend on their fertile land to grow rice, maize, potatoes, mustard, and vegetables. Many are apprehensive about losing their land and livelihoods.

“If the government takes my land, I will become unemployed. My land is very fertile, and I can grow three crops every year—rice, mustard, cucumber, and jute,” said Mofiz, a local farmer.

Zayeda Akter Tripa, a 22-year-old Nakshi worker from Hat Chanda in Jamalpur, expressed similar concerns. “If the government takes our land for the Nakshi Palli project, they will pay us money. But how long can we survive with that money? If we keep our land, we can grow crops and eat throughout our lives,” she said.

A NEW DIRECTION FOR NAKSHI ARTISANS

Despite the challenges, local entrepreneurs are hopeful that the revised plan could open up new opportunities. Md Shahinur Alam, a Nakshi entrepreneur, said, “We produce Nakshi products by employing our housewives in different villages. If the Nakshi Palli project is implemented, buyers will be able to find everything in one place, which will help us sell more products. Nakshi Kantha, sarees, salwar kameez, and other products made in Jamalpur are not only recognised in Bangladesh but also abroad.”

Around 300 businesses and 200,000 workers in Jamalpur’s upazilas are already engaged in the Nakshi industry. However, the Planning Commission has raised concerns about centralising these artisans.

“Most artists create Nakshi quilts in their spare time in different villages. Centralising this work could harm the existing system and lead to wasteful expenditure of allocated funds,” an official from the Planning Commission said.

FUTURE UNCERTAINTIES

The Ministry of Textiles and Jute is currently re-planning the project to address issues such as land acquisition, funding shortages, and farmers’ concerns. At a recent meeting attended by representatives from the ministry, the Handloom Board, and the Planning Commission, it was concluded that the land area and scope of the project must be rationalised.

Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said, “Many projects were approved due to political influence, but they are now being reviewed. If any project does not get implemented, it will be excluded for the sake of the government’s economic sustainability and the people’s welfare.”

The renaming of the project to “Jamalpur Nakshi Palli” is intended to increase its acceptance among the public, according to officials.