Photo: BSS

TANGAIL, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - Tangail’s famous Korotia Hat (market), one of the country’s largest wholesale cloth markets, continues to play a vital role in Bangladesh’s economy while preserving the district’s centuries-old trading tradition.

Located about seven kilometres from Tangail town, Korotia Hat is widely regarded as the heart of the district’s textile trade, particularly for Tangail handwoven sarees. With a history stretching back nearly 200 years, the market is considered the second-largest wholesale cloth hat in the country, attracting traders and buyers from across Bangladesh and abroad.

According to traders and market officials, business worth around Taka 30 crore takes place at the market every week. The hat is held twice weekly, beginning on Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday, with wholesale transactions dominating the first two days and retail sales on Thursday.

Historical accounts trace the establishment of Korotia Hat to around 1800, during the Zamindari period. 

The market developed under the patronage of the Panni family of Korotia, particularly Zamindar Wazed Ali Khan Panni, also known as Chand Mia. At that time, Korotia was a river port, and waterways were the primary means of transportation.

Initially a small trading place for agricultural produce, livestock and handwoven fabrics, the market gradually expanded. During the British and later the Pakistan periods, it emerged as a major trading centre for the greater Mymensingh region. After independence, Korotia Hat became one of Tangail’s most important commercial hubs.

Spread over approximately 45 acres, Korotia Hat is best known for Tangail sarees, along with shawls, chadars, lungis, gamchas, three-piece dresses, shirts, pant pieces, Punjabi garments, blankets and other winter clothing. Shawls produced by local artisans are also exported to countries including India and Myanmar.

Wholesale buyers source sarees here at comparatively lower prices and sell them in retail markets and super shops nationwide. Sarees from Korotia Hat reach markets in Pathrail, Balla, Rampur, Enayetpur, Baburhat, Belkuchi, Islampur and major shopping malls in Dhaka and other cities.

A local proverb reflects the district’s identity: “Chamchom, kansar basan ar saree—ei tin-e Tangail bari.” (Sweets, brassware and sarees define Tangail.)

Saree trader Samiul Islam said Korotia Hat remains a key centre for both domestic and imported textile products. “Around Taka 30 crore worth of trade takes place here every week, and the security system is very strong,” he said.

Businessmen Minhaj Mia, who has been doing business at the hat for 25 years, said that wholesalers from outside the country also visit the market. “Prices here are relatively low, which attracts buyers,” he said.

However, traders also expressed concern that business is not as vibrant as it was a decade ago, citing rising yarn prices and labour costs that have forced many weaving units to shut down.

Joint Secretary of the Korotia Market Management Committee Md. Jinna Mia said the hat is managed by a committee with support from the local administration. “There is no record of robbery here. Adequate guards ensure safety, and we are planning to bring the entire market under CCTV surveillance,” he added.

Despite challenges, Korotia Hat remains a symbol of Tangail’s economic, social and cultural heritage, linking generations of artisans, traders and buyers, and continuing its historic role in Bangladesh’s textile economy.