5,000 handlooms closed in Tangail as input prices rise

Tangail, Aug 9 (BDNEWS) - At least five thousand units of handlooms of Balla Rampur area under Kalihati upazila in Tangail, the popular area of producing Tangail handloom sarees, have been closed in last four months.

As the price of threads and other materials have increased by 20-25 percent in last four months and the price of sarees have not increased accordingly, the handlooms are closing one after another.

Handloom owners and traders fear that most of the handloom units might be closed within a few months if the high price of threads remains same. They have been organizing processions and meetings at Balla bazar area in protest of the price hike.

A spot visit revealed that there are at least 25 thousand handlooms which are the largest in number in the district at Balla and adjoining areas under Kalihati upazila.

According to traders, the price of eco of 82/1 count has increased to 66 thousand taka from 54 thousand, Saiham to Tk 67 thousand from 56 thousand, thread of 74/1 count to Tk 63 thousand from 51 thousand, Nahid to Tk 63 thousand from 53 thousand, Rasel to Tk 66 thousand from 54 thousand. Beside this the price pf polyester went up to Tk 40 thousand from Tk 36 thousand and palex to Tk 36 thousand from Tk 28,000.

Mofakhkharul Islam, the president of Balla Handloom Owners' Association told BDNEWS that in every week the prices of these materials are increasing. But in comparison the price of sarees does not increase. Earlier the handloom owners made a profit of taka 20-30 against a saree worth Tk.200. But now they have to count losses.

Every Saturday they have to pay to the workers. That's why they are bound to sell the sarees in lower price. Already about 20 percent of handlooms of the area have been closed. The handloom owners are selling the handloom products at throw away price.

Mostofa Ashrafi, the president of Bolla Rampur Thread Traders' Association, told BDNEWS that as the textile producers are being affected, the institutions involved with the industry are also being affected. If the handlooms are closed, the thread businesses will also be closed.

A trader of Behalabari village told BDNEWS that his 60 handlooms are in operation now. But if the high price of inputs remains unchanged, he will be compelled to close his handlooms.

BDNEWS/1258 hrs