SIRAJGANJ, Aug 16: The weaving industry of the district suffered a setback as floods have greatly damaged the factories, and production has been halted for more than three weeks.
The workers of the industry have become unemployed due to the closure of the weaving factories. Both owners and workers have sought government help to protect the industry.
According to field sources, the weavers of Sirajganj Sadar, Belkuchi, Chowhali, Ullapara and Shahjadpur upazilas were expected to be heavily engaged during the time of Eid-ul-Azha. But owners and workers have not been able to return to production because of the flood water.
Owners said, the looms in these areas were submerged in water for about a week. But now, even when the water is down, most of the submersible parts of the machines have been damaged. So they could not go to production. It will take at least a week to repair each tool.
As they could not raise the money amounting to at least Tk. 15,000- 20,000 for each of them, they did not go for production before Eid.
The workers were also unemployed as the weaving was closed. The families of earning members are in a great trouble as the workers did not get any work and wages. Even though they expected to earn more on the occasion of Eid, flood has broken their hope. They are even buying their regular necessary things taking loan, let alone buying new clothes for their children.
In Sirajganj, 3,000 weaving factories were destroyed in flood and thousands of workers have been jobless.
Hasan Ali, a weaving factory owner in Sarutia Village of Rajapur Union under Belkuchi Upazila, said that due to the flood, four feet of water entered his house that damaged four weaving machines and clothes. Now it will cost at least Tk 20,000 to start each weaving machines. There is no provision for that money.
Sakhawat Ali, a weaver of the same village said, he had 12 weaving machines. Three weaving machines have been destroyed as the weaving house sinks. And for about three weeks, all of them are off-production. As the Eid is coming, it would be tough to catch the market. This will result in a huge financial loss.
Bablu Shil, a weaving owner of North Sarutia Village in the same upazila, said, his weaving house was submerged under three feet of water. Four of his weaving machines and clothes were damaged, causing a loss of about Tk 1.5 lakh, he said.
Weaving workers of Randhuni-bari Abdus Salam and Md. Babu of the same upazila said, "Due to the flood, all types of production have been stopped for more than two weeks. It will take more time to start the weaving. Running family life has become difficult, and I am worried how the family will function."
Belkuchi Upazila Executive Officer SM Saifur Rahman said, government rice distribution among the weaving workers of his upazila started. About 700 workers have been given 10 kg of rice each, and they will be provided with assistance until they can return to work. Also, after the flood, the loan will be distributed on a low interest to the owners on a priority basis.
According to the information of the district administration website, there are 4,05,679 different types waving tools in total 14,870 factories in the district. These weaving tools produce about 23 crore meters of various fabrics such as sari, lungi, towel, three pieces and rural check cloth. With this industry, 46,403 families are involved, and employment of 2,08,156 people has been created.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Faruque Ahmed said, due to the flood, the weaving industries of the district including crops, educational institutions, and roads were also affected. However, the number of affected weavers is not yet estimated.
He also said necessary assistance would be provided to mitigate the damage by the flood.
