The handloom industry in Pabna and Sirajganj has a long
tradition. As the industry expanded it became the source of livelihood for
nearly 1.5 million people. The clattering sound of looms can be heard across
the two districts. But that sound is gradually fading. The entire industry has
come to a standstill under the combined pressure of frequent load shedding,
high prices of yarn and dyes and rising fuel prices. Many power looms and
Chittaranjan semi-automatic looms have shut down amid los...
