Textile, cottage industries fair begins in Rajshahi

A month-long textile and cottage industries fair-2023 began here today with the call for bolstering the economic condition of the region through revival of handloom and cottage goods in the region.

Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) is hosting the fair marking its 19th founding anniversary at Green Plaza of Rajshahi City Corporation, reports BSS.

A spectrum of locally produced handloom and cottage industrial goods including leather products, jute-made products, processed agricultural products, electrical and electronic goods, clothes, design and fashion wares and other products are being displayed in the fair through 50 stalls.

President of Bangladesh Silk Industries Owners Association Liakat Ali, President of Rajshahi Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries Professor Rozety Naznin and WEAB Executive Member Nasima Khatun attended and addressed the opening ceremony as guests of honour with WEAB President Anzuman Ara Parveen in the chair.

Liakat Ali mentioned there is a need for a holistic approach towards revival of the handloom and cottage industries. He said ensuring a business-friendly atmosphere is very important to encourage local entrepreneurs for revitalizing the sector.

Time-fitting measures should be taken to revive the region's industrial sector including the cottage industries as these play a vital role in the economic development.

Prof Rozety Naznin said handlooms and cottage goods signify the true craftsmanship of the Bangladeshi artisans. Various artisan communities are scattered throughout the country, communities consisting of people who solely depend on their crafts as a primary source of income.

She underscored the need for more hosting of such a type of fair to protect the handicrafts goods from further diminishing.

More expansion of investment to this sector is needed for bolstering economic conditions of both urban and rural areas together with freeing the society from the vicious circle of poverty.

Anzuman Ara Parveen told the meeting that the fair has been organized in order to increase the visibility of handloom and cottage industrial goods through preserving and encouraging the practice of local artisans.