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SYLHET, Jan 2 (UNB): A twenty-day 'Handloom and Textile Fair 2005' began here Sunday on the occasion of upcoming Eid-ul Adha, with an appeal for the countrymen to use local clothes.
Minister for Jute and Textile Shajahan Siraj inaugurated the fair as the chief guest. The Bangladesh Handloom Board organised the fair.
A total of 112 stalls have been set up in the clothing bazar where Mirpur Benarasi of Dhaka, Jamdani of Rupganj, Tangail handloom saris, Monipuri saris of Sylhet, Khoddar of Comilla and other traditional handloom products are on display and sale.
The minister said that country's running handlooms produced about 680 million (68 crore) metres textiles, which could meet hardly 40 per cent demand of the country. "And it contributes Tk 10 billion to the national economy", he added.
There has been a demand for 120 million yards of check-textiles in the export-oriented garment industry, but Bangladesh can supply only 10 million, he pointed out.
"By ensuring logistic support to this industry, Bangladesh can meet the overall demand for check-textiles", he said.
Stressing the need for establishing 150-200 new composite textile mills in the country for meeting the demand of ready-made garment (RMG) industry, the minister offered overall cooperation to the local and foreign investors in establishing the mills.
Echoing the call of the Prime Minister, he also urged all sections of people to wear locally made textiles.
Lawmaker Fariduddin Chowdhury and BNP Sylhet City unit Convenor Ariful Haque Chowdhury attended the function as special guests with Handloom Board Chairman Abdus Salam in the chair.
Among others, Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) Chairman Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner of the district Harun Chowdhury and Fair Organising Committee President Abdul Gani were present on the occasion.
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