State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam today (18 October) assured maximum financial and logistical support for research on Futi Karpas cotton, aimed at sustainable production and commercial expansion of Dhaka Muslin.
"Steps will be taken to swiftly and effectively transfer the technology for producing the revived Muslin to private entrepreneurs," the state minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar on the development of Futi Karpas cotton varieties, the raw material for Dhaka Muslin, at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.
The Bangladesh Handloom Board organised the event.
Describing Dhaka Muslin as a unique symbol of Bangladesh's glorious history and textile heritage, Shariful said research led by the Handloom Board has already made encouraging progress.
Ongoing studies on Futi Karpas varieties, genetic traits and fibre quality, he noted, have opened up new possibilities for sustainable Muslin production.
He said one of the key responsibilities now is to take the technology for producing the revived Muslin to private entrepreneurs.
Commercial production could be expanded by involving skilled weavers, entrepreneurs and investors, he added.
"If production, marketing and export opportunities can be created while preserving its distinctiveness and quality, it will contribute positively to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and the national economy," he said.
On support for the research, the state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has discussed the progress of Futi Karpas and Muslin research with stakeholders several times and given necessary directives.
"In line with the Prime Minister's directives, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute will provide maximum financial and other support for the research," he said.
Shariful Alam said the main goal is to preserve the heritage of Muslin, strengthen it further and take it to domestic and international markets.
"There is no alternative to research in this regard," he said, adding that the government and the ministry will extend all-out cooperation so that researchers can work without hindrance.
Recalling the role of former President Ziaur Rahman in institutional development of the handloom sector, he said the foundation for the sector's growth was laid with the establishment of the Bangladesh Handloom Board in 1977.
He also mentioned former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's plan to set up a Weavers' Bank to provide financial support to marginalised weavers.
Citing these initiatives, the state minister stressed enhancing weavers' financial capacity and ensuring production support.
He further said the government, research institutions, universities and private entrepreneurs must work in a coordinated manner on Futi Karpas research, Muslin technology transfer, skills development for weavers and building an effective marketing system.
"Alongside preserving the distinctiveness of traditional textile products, we must tap their commercial potential to increase their contribution to the economy," he said.
The state minister also underscored the need to give due recognition to the contributions of researchers and stakeholders.
He expressed hope that experts' research, considered opinions and advice would help advance Dhaka Muslin.