A month-long handloom, textile and cottage industries fair begins in Rajshahi on Thursday. A month-long handloom, textile and cottage industries fair opened in Rajshahi on Thursday.
Organised by the Women Entrepreneurs' Association of Bangladesh (WEAB), Rajshahi chapter, the fair is being held on the northern side of the Rajshahi Central Botanical Garden and Zoo to mark the organisation's 22nd founding anniversary.
According to the organisers, 45 stalls-all operated by women entrepreneurs-are participating in the fair, showcasing products ranging from Sirajganj handloom textiles, garments, cane and bamboo items to crockery, food products and gift articles. Bangladesh Silk Industries Owners Association President Liaquat Ali said handloom and cottage industries remained key drivers of rural and semi-urban livelihoods.
Industrialist Hassen Ali noted that thousands of artisan households across the country depend on traditional crafts as their primary source of income.
Emphasising women's economic participation, WEAB Rajshahi chapter President Anzuman Ara Parvin Lipi said women entrepreneurs involved in handloom and cottage industries were contributing to household incomes and local economies while strengthening inclusive growth.
The inaugural event was also addressed by Zia Uddin Ahmed, former director of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Zamat Khan, general secretary of Rajshahi Raksha Sangram Parishad; Mariyam Begum, president of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Rajshahi); and Fatema Akter, general secretary of WEAB Rajshahi chapter.
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