RAJSHAHI, Nov 15, 2024 (BSS) - A month-long handloom, textile and cottage 
industries fair-2024 began here today with the call for bolstering the 
economic condition of the region through revival of handloom and cottage 
goods in the region. 
 
Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) is hosting the fair 
marking its 20th founding anniversary at Green Plaza of Rajshahi City 
Corporation (RCC). 
 
A spectrum of locally produced handloom and cottage industrial goods 
including leather products, jute-made products, processed agricultural 
products, electrical and electronic goods, clothes, design and fashion wares 
and other products are being displayed in the fair through 60 stalls. 
 
RCC Chief Executive Officer Dr ABM Sharif Uddin opened the fair as the chief 
guest this afternoon. Chief Conservancy Officer Sheikh Mamun, Convener of the 
fair committee Mehedi Hassan, Joint Convener Shariful Islam Farhad and 
Members Shah Alam Babu, Raj Chowdhury and Jahid Hassan Paltu were present. 
 
Dr Sharif Uddin mentioned there is a need for a holistic approach towards 
revival of the handloom and cottage industries.

He said ensuring a business-friendly atmosphere is very important to 
encourage local entrepreneurs for revitalizing the sector. 
 
Time-fitting measures should be taken to revive the region's industrial 
sector including the cottage industries as these play a vital role in the 
economic development. 
 
Mehedi Hassan said handlooms and cottage goods signify the true craftsmanship 
of the Bangladeshi artisans. Various artisan communities are scattered 
throughout the country, communities consisting of people who solely depend on 
their crafts as a primary source of income. 
 
He underscored the need for more hosting of such a type of fair to protect 
the handicrafts goods from further diminishing. 
 
More expansion of investment to this sector is needed for bolstering economic 
conditions of both urban and rural areas together with freeing the society 
from the vicious circle of poverty. 
 
He told the meeting that the fair has been organized in order to increase the 
visibility of handloom and cottage industrial goods through preserving and 
encouraging the practice of local artisans.

The fair will remain open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.