Flood-ruined weavers across country look to bleak future

FE Team | Published: September 23, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Two consecutive floods have ruined nearly two-thirds of the country's handlooms, putting the weavers in dire straits, reports bdnews24.com.
Bangladesh Handloom Board (BHB) said, a total of 2,24,000 weavers in 70 upazilas of 25 districts have been badly hurt by the calamity. In addition to other steps to help the flood victims, the government has allotted Tk 20 million for the maimed textiles industry.
However, the industry authorities deem the amount inadequate. They said, even though Tk 20 million has been allocated for the sector, the government cannot confirm when it will disburse the money to the weavers. The flood-affected weavers are only to get VGF rice, while the farmers will get free saplings and loans under the plan.
BHB Chairman Abdul Hakim said, "For the affected handloom owners, we first asked the government for a grant of Tk 282.2 million. The government initially allocated Tk 20 million. With the help of the local authorities, a list of the most-affected weavers is being made. They will be reimbursed the moment the money is received."
He, however, had no idea when the money would reach them.
The chairman further said, "The workers will be provided rice through VGF cards. It will be distributed as soon as the Food and Disaster Management Ministry sanctions it."
Asked about the extent of damage to the handloom sector, he said, "We have not yet taken stock of the damage to the weavers. It will be assessed when the flood water recedes."
A census in 2003 showed there were more than 5,50,000 looms working in 1,83,000 handloom factories. Of them, 1,69,000 looms have been ruined in the latest bout of floods. According to the data, the floods have destroyed around 33.58 per cent of the weaving machinery.
Meanwhile, the BHB director general said, "A rudimentary survey shows that 28,226 weaving families and 2,24,000 workers in 25 districts have been affected by the floods."