The number of handlooms in the country has continued to decline over the years mainly due to the growing use of power looms, a census has revealed.
According to the census data, the number of handlooms declined 36.79 per cent to 116,006 units in 2018 from 183,512 units in 2003 and 212,421 units in 1990.
In tandem with this trend, the number of workers associated with the sector also dropped by 66 per cent to 301,757 in the last year from 888,115 in 2003, according to the survey report of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The report on 'Handloom Census 2018' was launched at a programme organised by the BBS at its headquarters in the city on Tuesday afternoon.
Planning Minister MA Mannan attended the programme as the chief guest.
Statistics and Informatics Division (SID) secretary Saurendra Nath Chakrabhartty was present on the occasion as the special guest with BBS Director General (DG) Dr Krishna Gayen in the chair.
Director of the handloom census project Mohiuddin Ahmed presented the key findings of the survey.
According to the report, handlooms are getting replaced by power looms across the country.
Other reasons for the decline in the number of handlooms include limited earnings from handlooms, capital shortage, scarcity of workers, and limited marketing scope.
The report also said the number of handloom-based factories drastically fell to 581 in 2018 from 12,889 units in 2003.
Region-wise, Chattogram division hosts the highest 56.20 per cent of the total handlooms thanks to the use of traditional devices by indigenous communities in Chattogram hill tracts.
According to the report, the highest 88.43 per cent of the total handlooms are operating in village areas.
Speaking on the occasion, the Planning Minister said there is an urgent need for accurate statistics and data for drawing up time befitting development plans.
Hailing the BBS officials for conducting the census, he said there is a pragmatic reason for the decline in the number of handlooms in the country.
"Power looms are getting popular due to its high productivity and profitability as well," he said.
The minister requested the state-run agency to conduct such a study at regular intervals to get accurate information about a targeted sector.
Mr Mannan also called on all government officials to be economical in running their activities.
Saurendra Nath Chakrabhartty said handloom attires are a crucial part of Bangladeshi culture.
The sector has been drawing attention and getting patronisation for many years for its uniqueness.
The handloom census data will help stakeholders including the government, handloom operators and traders to take their next course of actions, he added.
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