On the eve of holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the customers in Rajshahi are increasingly purchasing in silk products in shops and showrooms of the city, reports BSS.
The fashion-lovers of the city use silk clothes and clothing accessories during Eid festival in this region which is famous for quality silk production.
Silk fabrics, weaved and designed by local artisans, are in huge demand in the Eid markets of the city, with the affluent people rushing to the city silk showrooms every day.
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 sarees 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.
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.
With the 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 35-40 crore are likely to be sold during the current Eid season.
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 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 nights ahead of the Eid festival.
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.
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.
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 of plants and modern technologies at the growers' level that is very essential to attain cherished goals in this field.
He mentioned that increased domestic production of yarn can help revitalize the traditional silk sector.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
