Marginal weavers to revive handloom industry growth: State Minister

State Minister for Textiles and Jute, Md Shariful Alam, has said the government's policies for the handloom industry will be designed with greater consideration for the concerns and recommendations of marginal weavers as authorities seek to revive one of the country’s oldest traditional industries.

Speaking during a meeting with weavers in Baaitara village in Sirajganj Sadar, the minister said direct engagement with those working in the sector was essential to developing practical and effective policies.

The discussion brought together local weavers, government officials and industry representatives, who exchanged views on several longstanding challenges facing the sector.

Participants highlighted difficulties including access to affordable loans, rising raw material costs, yarn and dye prices, marketing opportunities and the influence of middlemen on product sales.

Shariful said the government wants future decisions to reflect the experiences of grassroots weavers rather than relying solely on administrative assessments.

He described Sirajganj as one of Bangladesh’s most significant handloom production centres, noting that the district has a rich weaving heritage and considerable economic potential.

He said the government is working to strengthen the sector and restore its traditional importance.

The minister acknowledged concerns raised over the cost of production and the need for fairer market access.

He added that the government would take measures to ensure that genuine weavers and members of recognised weaving associations received assistance.

Shariful also said around Tk65 crore in soft loans had already been distributed among weavers in Sirajganj Sadar, Ullapara, Shahjadpur and Belkuchi. The loans are being offered at a concessional interest rate of four per cent.

He said the government planned to expand the programme so that more weavers could benefit, while encouraging recipients to use the funds responsibly and repay them on schedule.

Looking ahead, the minister said that newly established loom training and basic centres in Sirajganj would focus not only on developing technical skills but also on helping trainees build careers as skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

He added that the government would develop partnerships with universities, textile institutions and industrial organisations to create practical training opportunities and improve employment prospects for graduates.

The state minister expressed confidence that closer cooperation between the government and the country’s weaving community could help restore the handloom industry to a stronger and more competitive position.

The meeting was also attended by Textiles and Jute Secretary Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, senior officials from the Bangladesh Handloom Board, representatives of the local administration, and leaders of weavers’ associations.