Rangpur quilt makers get busy as winter sets in

RANGPUR, Nov 30: With the advent of winter the quilt makers in the district are now passing busy time stitching quilts and blankets. They are working day and night to meet the demand of customers.

There are over 300 quilt shops in the district that employ about 2000 people. Most shops, which usually sell readymade products, are now receiving orders from customers.  

Ashfaq, owner of a quilt shop at Haripattri area in the city told FE that the demand for quilt has increased a lot during winter season. They are making quilts according to the demand of the buyers during this peak season.

A number of quilt shop owners under the district including Betpatti, Haripotti, Khamar, Station, C.O Bazar and Shapla Chattar areas in the city told The Financial Express that they have to wait for this time every year as they are dependent solely on quilt business. They said, for household purpose, people want good quality cotton while the hotel owners choose low quality cotton.

Majnu, a quilt worker at Khamar area in city said every year they wait for the time as their income increases during the time. In the season they earn more profit which helps to lead their family for 4 to 5 months but after the winter season they receive very few orders, as a result they have to seek for other jobs. They earn Tk 500 to Tk 600 everyday during this season.

The prices of cotton are varied according to quality. Imported cotton for quilts is now being sold at local market at Tk 200 to Tk 230 per kilogram. Shimul (silk) cotton is sold at Tk 180 to Tk 220 a kg. Garments cotton is available between Tk 60 to Tk 80 per KG. Prices of a quilt range between Tk 1000 to Tk 2400.  

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