Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, MP, has said the government has taken various initiatives to modernize Rajshahi's traditional silk industry and restore its lost glory.

He said the initiatives include promoting modern technology, research and training, improving sericulture methods, expanding mulberry cultivation and enhancing the quality of silk yarn.

The state minister made the remarks while addressing a conference titled "Sericulture Research and Development in the Context of Strategic Cooperation between China and Bangladesh" as the chief guest in Rajshahi today.

The China-Bangladesh Silk Research Center organized the conference in cooperation with the Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board (BSDB) at the conference room of the Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute (BSRTI).

Earlier, Shariful Alam visited the Bangladesh Sericulture Factory and BSRTI.

Recalling the historical significance of Rajshahi silk, he said the industry was once a symbol of aristocracy, beauty and Bengali heritage, but its prominence had declined over the years due to various crises.

He said new initiatives in research, technology and international cooperation could help the industry regain its position, particularly by opening access to the large Chinese market.

"Rajshahi silk is not just an industry; it is a part of the country's heritage and pride. The government is working to revive this sector through modern technology, research and training," he said.

The state minister said, in line with the election manifesto, initiatives have also been taken to reopen closed state-owned factories and mills, expand markets and attract domestic and foreign investment.

He said work is underway to formulate a marketing policy for the development of Rajshahi's silk industry.

Shariful Alam said China, one of the world's largest silk producers and consumers, offers a promising market for Bangladeshi silk. Establishing a strong presence there could directly benefit silk farmers, weavers and entrepreneurs in Rajshahi.

He also stressed the need for quality silk yarn and fabrics alongside modern designs, packaging, branding and marketing strategies to establish "Rajshahi Silk" as a strong international brand.

Among others, Abu Sayeed Chand, MP; Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury; Professor Xu Qiuji, Vice Dean of the School of Fashion Design and Engineering at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; and Professor Nusrat Jahan Nipa, project initiator and chief coordinator of the China-Bangladesh Silk Research Center, attended the conference as special guests.

BSDB Director General Toufiq Al Mahmud chaired the event, while BSRTI Senior Scientific Officer Dr Shakhawat Hossain presented the keynote paper.

The conference also highlighted the historical importance and future prospects of Bangladesh's silk industry.