After nearly 21 years, Thakurgaon Silk Factory resumed its production last week with the new name 'Suprio Silk Factory'.

Lawmaker from Thakurgaon-1 constituency Ramesh Chandra Sen inaugurated the factory operation at Gabindanagar in Thakurgaon municipality, reports our local correspondent.

A local business group 'Suprio Group' took a five-year lease on the factory against payment of Tk 1.60 lakh per year, said factory sources.

The factory is likely to produce 100 metres of silk in eight hours a day using 20 power looms and 20 hand looms, they said.

Bablur Rahman, chairman of Suprio Group, told The Daily Star that initially they have planned to run the factory for eight hours daily and they will extend the operation time on a demand basis.

Replying to a query, Bablur expressed his hope that the factory will bring good profit as Thakurgaon silk clothes have a good reputation.

Factory sources said the non-government organisation Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service set up the Thakurgaon Silk Factory in the 1975-76. Later in 1981, it was handed over to Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board.

Gradually, the factory wrapped up its production showing a loss every year.

The factory restarted its operation later but it was declared laid off on November 29, 2002, on the same ground. At that time, around 10,000 trained mulberry farmers and 75 workers were involved with the factory.

Thakurgaon silk, which was famous for its quality, was also exported abroad, Bablur added.