Traditional Tangail Handloom Industry to Get Modern Technology, Training: Minister

The government is taking steps to modernize and strengthen Tangail’s traditional handloom industry through new technology, skills training, easier financing and incentives, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam said Saturday.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a Handloom Training Centre and Basic Centre in Bajitpur, Tangail, the minister said Tangail sarees have received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and that the government wants not only to preserve the region’s handloom heritage but also to expand the industry.

He said modern machinery and training facilities would help improve the skills and productivity of weavers while encouraging younger people to enter the sector.

The government is also working to provide marginal and small-scale weavers with easier access to loans and financial incentives to support their businesses, Alam said.

He added that the government was implementing initiatives to bring traditional industries such as handloom weaving into line with modern production methods through advanced technology and specialized training.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, who attended the event, said the government would provide necessary support to preserve Tangail’s long-standing saree-making tradition.

“Modern machinery and training will help increase production,” he said, adding that the government would extend support to sustain traditional industries in Tangail.

Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Shamsul Alam Sarker and Textiles and Jute Ministry Secretary Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury attended the inauguration as special guests.

Bangladesh Handloom Board Chairman Md. Zakir Hossain delivered the welcome address, while Secretary Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury chaired the event.

Following the inauguration, the guests visited the newly constructed Bajitpur Handloom Training Centre and Basic Centre.