RAJSHAHI, April 26, 2022 (BSS) - On the eve of holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the
largest religious festivals for the Muslims, shopping in the silk shops and
showrooms has gained momentum.

Varieties of silk clothes namely Bolakakar Chupi, Sui-Sutakatan, Kotisilk,
Joyashri, Silk Katan, Water Katan, Jamdani Katan, Borkatan, Dupiana,
Jhornakatan, shari, three piece, orna, panjabi-pajama, shirt, fatua and scarf
are on display in every shop and showroom to attract the buyers.

The fashion passionate people wear silk wears during Eid festival in this
region which is famous for quality silk production.

Some five silk manufacturers like Sapura Silk, Usha Silk, Rajshahi Silk
Fashion, Amena Silk and Mohananda Silk are doing their brisk business after
taking advantage of the Eid market. They also arranged and assembled new
designs and colours this season.

Silk fabrics, weaved and designed by local artisans, are on huge demand in
the Eid markets of the city, and the affluent people are rushing to the city
silk showrooms every day.

With attraction of eye-catching colour and design of the silk wears, a large
number of people irrespective of age and sex especially the adolescents are
humming towards the showrooms to collect their best choice.

As a result, employees of the silk factories are passing their busiest times
both on days and at night. Silk factories in the BSCIC are also operating
round the clock.

According to the sources concerned, silk wears valued at around Taka 45-50
crore are likely to be sold during the current Eid season.
 
The well off buyers are also selecting and purchasing their best choice
whatever its price is while the middle and low-income groups are seen
bargaining with the sellers.

All the factories at BSCIC Estate are operating day and night and the
laborers are passing their sleepless night ahead of the Eid festival.

The rich people are going to Sapura Silk Industrial Area to buy silk
products. Sellers said the number of silk products buyers has increased as
the Eid is knocking at the door.
 

Saidur Rahman, Showroom in-charge of Sapura Silk, told BSS that katoar design
shari on muslin is their greatest attraction for this Eid. Different designs
of saris are priced from Taka 3,800 to Taka 1,45,000.

He said keeping in mind the choices of the customers, varieties of saris,
punjabees, three-piece and children's dresses were assembled at the
showrooms.

Usha Silk has also brought new designed panjabi with stripe art on silk which
is being sold at Taka 2,000 to Taka 7,500 per piece.

Nur Alam Bulbul, showroom in-charge of Usha Silk, said their saries are being
sold at Taka 1,250 to Taka 45,500 and the three-pieces are priced at Taka
2,000 to Taka 75,500.

Liakat Ali, President of Bangladesh Silk Industry Owners Association, laid
emphasis on elevating the sector for saving huge hard-earned foreign
currencies which are spent for import of the silk yarn.

He said the issue of the consumers' demands should be given priority. "The
glorious silk sector is now facing an embarrassing situation due to excessive
price of foreign silk yarn and decline of local production," he added.

He said the sector needs initiatives to retain the skilled laborers,
especially the rearers, weavers and printers in the profession in the greater
interest of the sector.

Liakat Ali laid stress on proper use of varieties plant and modern
technologies at the growers' level that are very essential to attain
cherished goals in this field.