Shariful said one of the key responsibilities now was to make the technology for producing revived muslin available to private entrepreneurs.
BSS
18 October, 2026, 07:30 pm
Last modified: 18 October, 2026, 07:32 pm
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam has assured maximum financial and logistical support for research into Phuti cotton to ensure the sustainable production and commercial expansion of Dhakai muslin. He also stressed the need to swiftly and effectively transfer the technology for producing revived muslin to private entrepreneurs.
"Dhakai muslin was a unique symbol of Bangladesh's glorious history and textile heritage. Research undertaken by the Bangladesh Handloom Board has already made encouraging progress. In particular, ongoing research into Phuti cotton varieties, genetic characteristics and fibre quality has opened up new possibilities for the sustainable production of muslin," he said.
He made the remarks as a special guest at a seminar titled "Development of Phuti Cotton Varieties, the Raw Material for Dhakai Muslin Production", organised by the Bangladesh Handloom Board at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.
Shariful said one of the key responsibilities now was to make the technology for producing revived muslin available to private entrepreneurs. Commercial production could be expanded by engaging skilled weavers, entrepreneurs and investors.
Maintaining the fabric's distinctive characteristics and quality while creating opportunities for production, marketing and exports would generate employment, earn foreign currency and contribute positively to the national economy, he added.
Regarding research support, Shariful Alam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had discussed progress in Phuti cotton and muslin research with relevant stakeholders on several occasions and had issued the necessary directives.
In line with the prime minister's directives, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute would provide maximum financial and logistical support for the research, he added.
The state minister said the main objective was to preserve muslin's heritage, strengthen the sector and expand its presence in domestic and international markets. Research was essential to achieving this goal. The government and the ministry would extend all-out support to ensure researchers received the necessary assistance and could work without hindrance, he added.
Recalling the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in the institutional development of the handloom sector, he said the establishment of the Bangladesh Handloom Board in 1977 had laid the foundation for the sector's development.
Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Bangladesh Handloom Board Chairman Md Zakir Hossain, Dr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelmoghny Abdulbaqi, principal researcher in cotton breeding at Egypt's Cotton Research Institute, and local and foreign researchers, scientists, university teachers, students and entrepreneurs attended the event.