Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Thursday said the government is considering to establish an industrial estate for Jamdani weavers.

He made the announcement at the inaugural ceremony of 10-day  Jamdani product exhibition and fair 2019 jointly arranged by Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at BSA.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself is an ambassador of Jamdani, he said adding that with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s direct support the Jamdani industry is now in a better position than before.

He also lauded BSCIC’s efforts to improve the Jamdani productions and urged them to focus more on the research to ensure finer quality.

Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi highlighted that those who are involved with Jamdani weaving are not paid enough.

He also pointed out that several Jamdani estates can be set up in areas like Rupganj, Shiddhirganj and Sonargaon to grow them into tourist spots.

“With support from the Industries Ministry, we can establish multiple industrial cities and develop them into tourist spots by adding different facilities,” said the minister.

“If we can develop the production of Jamdani through research we will be able to catch the international market,” he said.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid said Jamdani is the pride of the nation being the first Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh.

He stressed the need for securing small-scale loans for the struggling weavers who work hard to produce Jamdani sarees and other products.

Jamdani was certified as Bangladesh’s first GI product in 2016’s November.

Aming to promote the century-old tradition of weaving Jamdani fabric, the fair will display various types of Jamdani sarees, including Tersa, Jolpar, Pannahazar, Karola, Dublajal, Saburga, Bolihar, Shaplaful, Angurlota, Mayurpachpar, Baghnali, Kalmilota, Chandrapar and Jhumka in 25 stalls at the BSA premise.

The fair will remain open for visitors from 10 am to 10pm everyday till May 25.

UNB