Handloom Industry Under Siege by Yarn Syndicate; Weavers Unite to Survive
The traditional handloom industry in Bangladesh faces a profound crisis driven by an abnormal surge in yarn prices, the dominance of syndicates, and a lack of effective intervention from authorities. To address these challenges and establish weavers’ rights, an exchange meeting was organized on Wednesday by the Handloom and Powerloom Owners Association at the residence of advisor Haji Ohidul Islam Khan in Khamargram under the Enayetpur police station of Sirajganj.
Presided over by Alhaj Abdul Matin Miah and conducted by Shahin Alam, the event featured Alhaj Solaiman Hossain as the chief guest. Several prominent figures were also present, including Haji Akched Ali, Haji Abdul Aziz Sarker, Haji Shamsuzzaman Opu, Haji Lal Miah, Haji Golam Kibria, Haji Tawhidul Hasan Khan, Mohammad Asadul Sarker, Abdullah Khan, Tanvir Hossain, Jilan Khan, Muktadi Hasan, Omar Faruk Khan, Mukul Talukdar, Wahiduzzaman, and Enamul Huda Munna, alongside various local weaver leaders.
A major highlight of the gathering was the announcement of the newly formed Goparekhi regional branch committee for the Sirajganj Weavers Unity organization. Haji Ohidul Islam Khan was elected president, Haji Faysal Mallik vice-president, Haji Mujahid Islam secretary, Haji Abdullah Khan assistant secretary, Haji Shahadat Khan organizing secretary, Haji Abul Kalam treasurer, and Haji Zayed Mallik office secretary, formalizing local leadership to tackle sector-wide distress.
Speakers warned that unchecked yarn syndicates and rising production costs are forcing factory owners to operate at a loss, depleting their capital and threatening livelihoods. They emphasized the absence of tangible support from responsible authorities, criticizing the Handloom Board for failing to address genuine problems. Emphasizing cultural heritage and mass employment, leaders stated, ‘We are against no one; we are in favor of the handloom industry. We do not seek unity for any individual interest. We want to protect the livelihoods of millions of weaver families.’
The meeting concluded with an urgent call to dismantle yarn syndicates, ensure Handloom Board accountability, provide easy-term loans, and secure fair pricing. Leaders stressed that immediate government intervention is vital to prevent widespread unemployment and financial disaster for millions dependent on Bangladesh’s historic handloom sector.
