Steps taken to expand Jamdani industry: Amu

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu on Wednesday said the government is working to expand Jamdani industry by providing them infrastructural support through setting up of a separate Jamdani industrial estate aiming to improve the artisans' socio-economic condition.
He also said Jamdani is a continuation of the old heritage of Muslin that was famous worldwide as a heritage.
"Jamdani of Bangladesh has already been acknowledged as part of the world heritage...The government is working relentlessly to develop the industry like Muslin industry," said the minister.
He was speaking as the chief guest while inaugurating a 10-day Jamdani exhibition at National Museum premises at the city's Shahbagh area jointly organised by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and the Museum.
BSCIC Chairman Ahmed Hossain chaired the programme while state minister for textile and jute Mirza Azam, industries secretary M Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum Faizul Latif Chowdhury also spoke.
Mr Amu said the government has set up the Jamdani industrial estate on a 20-acre land at Noapara of Tarabo union in Narayanganj at a cost of Tk 58.6 million where there will be 409 plots and a research centre with a view to developing and advancing the traditional Jamdani industries.
"Out of 409 plots, 399 industrial plots have been distributed among entrepreneurs for setting up their industries. A total of 363 industries have already been set up," he informed.
The minister instructed the BSCIC to become more active to make best use of the industrial estate to achieve the desired target.
A total of 38 Jamdani saree manufacturers are taking part in the fair which will remain open for visitors every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
    msshova@gmail.com