Weaving industry creates jobs for 50,000 artisans

A thriving weaving industry has taken root in Bogura, spanning 25 villages in the Adamdighi upazila. It employs a staggering 50,000 skilled artisans dedicated to crafting winter blankets.

Shawil village, situated within the Nasratpur union of Adamdighi upazila in Bogura, plays a pivotal role in the rich history of Bangladesh's weaving culture, preserving its traditions even in the northern regions of Bengal.

Shawil has been home to a community of weavers for generations, giving rise to a distinctive market known as 'Chadar Kambal Haat.' This market, specializing in winter clothing, blankets, and woolen yarn, operates from 4 am to 10 am on Sundays and Wednesdays, creating a vibrant and fair-like atmosphere.

During market days, Shawil transforms into a bustling hub, attracting wholesalers from distant locales. The market sees traders, including those from Dhaka, competing for chadar blankets and yarn. The surrounding villages, numbering approximately 25, have established a network of weaving villages, unlocking significant potential for the blanket industry.

Despite the advent of technology, the traditional weaving industry remains firmly in the hands of local villagers, with the rhythmic sound of looms resonating throughout the region. Each household, encompassing around 25 villages like Dattabaria, Mangalpur, Delinja, Pushinda, Deora, Binahali, and Kesharta, possesses at least one to ten looms, reflecting widespread engagement in weaving.

Over 10,000 weaving families, comprising about 50,000 individuals, rely on the weaving industry for their livelihoods in the nearby villages. The weaving process involves creating blankets, bed sheets, lungis, towels, and various winter garments in preparation for the upcoming winter season.

Jaim Uddin, President of the Shaoil Hat and Bazaar Committee, and General Secretary Mofazzal Hossain highlight the remarkable growth of Shawil Hat from its initial five shops to the current 1,500 to 2,000 shops. The demand for high-quality sheets produced in this market extends not only within Bangladesh but also to international markets.

Apart from sheet making, the area hosts businesses involved in winter cloth manufacturing, yarn production, dyes, looms, loom equipment, and latai. Around 8,000 workers are employed in the market's shops, predominantly comprising poor women from nearby villages earning daily wages ranging from Tk 200 to 250.

Despite the tremendous potential surrounding Shawil's weaving industry, challenges persist. The market's distance from Adamdighi, approximately 11 kilometers, poses logistical issues for traders. Additionally, the absence of banks in Shawil village hampers financial transactions, requiring individuals to travel to Adamdighi or Murile for loans.

While global demand for woven fabrics from Bangladesh has faced challenges, the survival of the weaving industry hinges on providing sufficient capital, ensuring healthy marketing opportunities, and securing a reliable supply of raw materials. With the right initiatives, the weaving industry can regain its former glory, preserving the artistic beauty and traditions of the country. A concerted effort could transform Shawil's weaving industry into an exemplary export field, securing a future for those who rely on the loom for their livelihood.