Textile and Jute Minister Shajahan Siraj inaugurated the fair organised by Bangladesh Handloom Board.

A total of 112 stalls have been set up in the clothing bazaar where Mirpur Benarasi, Jamdani of Rupganj, Tangail handloom saris, Monipuri saris of Sylhet, Khodder of Comilla and other traditional handloom products are on display and sale.

The minister informed that country's running handlooms produce about 68 crore metres textiles, which can meet hardly 40 percent demand of the country. "And it contributes Tk 1,000 crore to the national economy," he said.

He further said there has been a demand for 12 crore yards of check-textiles in the export-oriented garment industry, but Bangladesh can supply only one crore. "By ensuring logistic support to this industry, Bangladesh can meet the overall demand for check-textiles."

Local MP Fariduddin Chowdhury and convener of BNP Sylhet City unit Ariful Haque Chowdhury attended the function as special guests with Chairman of the Handloom Board Abdus Salam in the chair.

Among others, Chairman of Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Harun Chowdhury and president of the Fair Organising Committee Abdul Gani were present.