The indigenous weaving industry in Mominnagar in Jessore is almost extinct; weavers are now engaged in other trades. Once Mominnagar was famous for making a variety of garments like lungi, towel, saree etc.
Today, the industry is teetering on the brink of oblivion.
The main feature of the garments produced here was the long lasting colour, which did not fade quickly. A special process was followed before the cotton/thread was used.
First the thread was bought, washed and immersed in two chemicals; then the thread was boiled in hot water mixed with hydro- caustic.
In the end, the dried thread was used for weaving.
In the 1940s, an association was formed to safeguard the interests of the weavers.
There were 35 weaving machines in operation in the 80s which has come down to 8 in 2017. Now all machines are shut.
A weaver says: “If the government provides support then we will return to the profession of our forefathers.”
“In the 1990s, printed Indian sarees started coming and since those were sold at cheaper rates, our industry took the battering; an Indian item sold for Tk 200 whereas our one was Tk 300.”
Failing to keep up with competition from cheap imports, our industry dwindled, lamented a former weaver.
Once a weaver earned Tk 100 to Tk 150 but now that person can earn Tk 500 by becoming an Easy bike driver.
Many former weavers now work as masons and since the earning is much higher they are reluctant to go back to their previous profession.
Once known as weaving master, Alfazuddin, says: “I have been working as a weaver since 1964 but am unemployed for the last two years.”
Alafazuddin wants the resurgence of the golden days of weaving.
General Secretary of Momennagar Cooperative Union, Golam Mostafa, adds: “Government intervention is needed to revive the moribund industry; in addition, easy loans, training, subsidy and proper market management can revitalize the almost extinct weaving industry.”
UP chairman, Shahin Chakladar, observes: “The weaving culture of Mominnagar is a tradition of Jessore and it’s our duty to preserve it; the government has focused on small industries and we will see what can be done.”
Deputy Manager of Bangladesh small industries, Farida Yasmin, adds: “If small industries want then we can provide loans up to Tk 100,000 along with advice.”