Rajshahi’s traditional silk industry is set for a revival, with plans to bring another 10 power looms into operation at the Rajshahi Silk Factory, raising the number of active looms to 25, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu said on Friday.
The minister warned that attempts to hold the factory or its officers and employees hostage for personal gain would not be tolerated at a programme held at the Regional Silk Extension Office on the factory premises at on Friday.
He said the historic factory was a vital source of livelihood for people in the region and provided income for many families. Only those who contributed to protecting the institution and increasing production would be given the opportunity to work there, he added.
Criticising attempts to disrupt operations in the name of labour politics, Minu said holding the factory hostage might bring temporary benefits to some individuals but would cause long-term harm to the institution and future generations.
According to the Bangladesh Silk Development Board, the Rajshahi Silk Factory has a total of 42 power looms. The phased reopening of idle looms aims to increase silk fabric production and create employment opportunities for local weavers.
Initiatives have also been taken to plant mulberry saplings on and around the factory premises to ensure a sustainable supply of mulberry leaves, the main food source for silkworms.
Special guests at the programme included Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, Member of Parliament for the Paba-Mohanpur constituency; Md. Yusuf Ali, Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi; Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, administrator of the Rajshahi Zila Parishad and a freedom fighter; Md. Taufiq Al Mahmud, Director General of the Bangladesh Silk Development Board; Dr. M. A. Mannan, Director (Finance and Planning); Aslam Sarkar, vice-president of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP; and officials and employees of the factory.