Weavers of Keshurbari blankets seek govt help

Weavers of Keshurbari village in sadar upazila are busy producing woollen blankets as chill grips the northern region.

The blankets made in Keshurbari village are very popular in the northern districts as they provide warmth at a cheap price.

The production cost remains at a reasonable level as the weavers make colourful blankets with second-hand wool.

Although such blankets are also produced at a few adjoining villages, the products of Keshurbari have gained popularity because of their special design and quality.

About 500 families live in Keshurbari village. For decades, most of these families have been earning their livelihood by making woollen blankets. Blankets are produced in handlooms, and the weaving process is similar to that of a sari or ‘chador’ (shawl).

Though the demand for blankets is increasing because of their attractive deigns and usefulness, the weavers are currently struggling to carry on their traditional occupation because a rise in the prices of yarn and weaving materials.

When this reporter visited the area, locals told him that after the Liberation War, only two or three people in the village started making blankets with handloom. Gradually, several others started doing the same, giving the place its name, Tantipara.

Gobordhan Devnath said a group of eight to 10 weavers go to Shawalhat in Santahar of Bogra to buy woollen yarn.

This year, a maund (40kg) of woollen yarn sold for Tk. 3,000– 3,500, while the price was only Tk. 1,200–Tk 1,300 two or three years ago, he added.

Babul Chandra and Dinesh Chandra, two weavers, said a blanket fetched between Tk. 200 and Tk. 225 in the market during winter, but the hard-pressed weavers were compelled to sell their products for Tk. 170–180 per piece.

Taking advantage of the financial distress of the weavers, local moneylenders and traders buy the blankets and hold them in stock, thus managing to make high profits in winter.

Government assistance was needed to keep alive the age-old occupation, the weavers said.  

Provat Kumar Singha, chairman of Bragaon Union Parishad, said the blankets of Keshurbari was famous all over the country. He urged the government to provide financial help and technical support for the survival of the weavers.

Thakurgaon deputy commissioner Abdul Awal said steps would be taken to help the weavers of Keshurbari.

 

Weavers of Keshurbari blankets seek govt help

Weavers of Keshurbari village in sadar upazila are busy producing woollen blankets as chill grips the northern region. The blankets made in Keshurbari village are very popular in the northern districts as they provide warmth at a cheap price. The production cost remains at a reasonable level as the weavers make colourful blankets with second-hand wool. Although such blankets are also produced at a few adjoining villages, the products of Keshurbari have gained popularity because of their special design and quality. About 500 families live in Keshurbari village. For decades, most of these families have been earning their livelihood by making woollen blankets. Blankets are produced in handlooms, and the weaving process is similar to that of a sari or chador (shawl). Though the demand for blankets is increasing because of their attractive deigns and usefulness, the weavers are currently struggling to carry on their traditional occupation because a rise in the prices of yarn and weaving materials. When this reporter visited the area, locals told him that after the Liberation War, only two or three people in the village started making blankets with handloom. Gradually, several others started doing the same, giving the place its name, Tantipara. Gobordhan Devnath said a group of eight to 10 weavers go to Shawalhat in Santahar of Bogra to buy woollen yarn. This year, a maund (40kg) of woollen yarn sold for Tk. 3,000 3,500, while the price was only Tk. 1,200Tk 1,300 two or three years ago, he added. Babul Chandra and Dinesh Chandra, two weavers, said a blanket fetched between Tk. 200 and Tk. 225 in the market during winter, but the hard-pressed weavers were compelled to sell their products for Tk. 170180 per piece. Taking advantage of the financial distress of the weavers, local moneylenders and traders buy the blankets and hold them in stock, thus managing to make high profits in winter. Government assistance was needed to keep alive the age-old occupation, the weavers said. Provat Kumar Singha, chairman of Bragaon Union Parishad, said the blankets of Keshurbari was famous all over the country. He urged the government to provide financial help and technical support for the survival of the weavers. Thakurgaon deputy commissioner Abdul Awal said steps would be taken to help the weavers of Keshurbari.