Rising yarn prices and stiff competition from power looms have pushed Tangail’s traditional handloom industry into a deep crisis, forcing many weavers to abandon their looms and seek alternative livelihoods.
Ahead of Durga Puja, however, traders expect a seasonal boost, with sales of 80,000 to 90,000 sarees anticipated during the festival.
On December 9, 2025, UNESCO recognised Tangail Saree Weaving Art as intangible cultural heritage. Despite the international recognition, the industry continues to struggle with rising production costs, low wages and inadequate government support.
Tangail Sadar, Kalihati and Delduar upazilas were once major centres of handloom saree production. Many looms have since fallen silent, while some weavers have sold their equipment and left the profession.
Weavers said machine-made sarees could be produced faster and sold at lower prices, making it increasingly difficult for traditional artisans to compete.
Ranjit Kumar Das, who has worked in the industry for 50 years, said orders had increased ahead of Durga Puja. He is currently weaving a Jamdani saree, which takes about a week to complete and earns him Tk2,500 in wages.
“Business is no longer as profitable as it used to be. Yarn prices have increased, and women are wearing sarees less frequently than before,” he said.
Sudhir Chandra Das, a weaver of 25 years, said he received Tk700 for making a half-silk saree, which takes around two days to complete.
“How can anyone run a household on that amount? Even agricultural day labourers earn more,” he said.
Dhiren Pal said a power loom could produce eight to 10 sarees a day, while a finely crafted handloom saree took at least two days.
Weaver Shanoar Hossain said low wages were discouraging young people from entering the profession. Agricultural labourers can earn Tk800 to Tk1,000 a day during the paddy harvest, he said, while handloom workers struggle to earn comparable amounts.
Festival demand offers hope
Tangail sarees remain popular for their quality and craftsmanship, particularly during festivals. Ahead of Durga Puja, weavers have introduced new designs to attract buyers, many of whom are visiting weaving villages and showrooms in the district town.
Buyer Mrinal Kanti Roy said he had purchased a handloom saree for his wife and planned to buy another for his daughter, citing the quality and reasonable prices.
Monika Akter, a homemaker from Tangail town’s Thana Para area, said she preferred handloom sarees for their intricate designs and comfort.
Raghunath Basak, president of the Tangail District Saree Traders Association, said the number of looms in the area had plunged from around 5,000 to just 450.
He urged the government to take urgent steps to revive the industry, saying rising production costs and low prices for finished products were driving workers away.
“Loans alone will not be enough to revive the industry. Exports of Tangail sarees to neighbouring countries through land routes must be sustained. Yarn prices have risen by around 30% in just a few days, and our problems need urgent attention,” he said.
Palash Basak, director of the Tangail Chamber of Commerce, said traders expected to sell 80,000 to 90,000 sarees ahead of Durga Puja, with most of the anticipated sales already completed.
Industry stakeholders said government support, better wages, measures to address unfair competition and expanded market access were essential to preserve Tangail’s handloom tradition, warning that the sector could face further decline without urgent intervention.
Newly appointed Tangail Deputy Commissioner Abu Sayeed told Dhaka Tribune that he would hold discussions with traders to ensure they receive government support and facilities.
