This breakthrough has been achieved due to introduction of some new methods and techniques in the silk culture developed through effective research by Bangladesh Silk Training Institute and Research (BSTIR) in Rajshahi.

This was divulged at a meeting of the board of directors of BSTIR held in the conference room of the textiles ministry yesterday.

Presided over by Textiles Minister Abdul Matin Chowdhury, the meeting was attended by Secretary-in-charge M Azizul Islam, Chairman of Bangladesh Silk Board Abdul Mazid, and Director of BSTIR Abdus Samad Talukdar.

Representatives of Silk Foundation, non-governmental organisations, private sector silk traders, and concerned officials of different ministries also attended the meeting.

The meeting elaborately discussed the total activities of BSTIR.

Addressing the meeting, Abdul Matin Chowdhury said the country's silk sector, as a labour intensive cottage industry, has been playing an important role in creating jobs for rural people.

He said late president Ziaur Rahman had established the Silk Board in 1977 to create job opportunity for rural people in northern region of the country.

The sector has immense potentials to create huge jobs particularly for the rural women, he added.