Thousands weavers became unemployed and left their ancestors’ profession as the weaving industry in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia district facing verge of extinction. Sky rocking trend of thread, colour and other weaving materials as well as decreasing trend of labour charges for the weavers were mainly liable for the situation.
But the weavers’ community, locally known as Tantpally (weaver’s village) was enriched with the sound of weaving machines or tants round the clock. The tantpally is now almost abandoned and lifeless for years where some of the tantees (weavers) are trying to survive anyway, said some of the weavers’ community people.
Sima Khatun, 40, wife of Sayedul Islam of Panati Tantipara when contacted said she has been knitting 200 pieces of Gamchha (thin towel) for the labour charge Taka 1,300 to 1,400. It will take about 60 days. She said each bundle of 40 count thread which she was purchasing at Taka 2,200 q few months back, now stands at Taka 3,300. Further, the prices of colour, tunte, gums etc. went higher abnormally. She had sent her school going son for a job at Serajganj, she said.
A class eight student Tania Khatun said she works at a power loom at her house to manage her educational expenses when the income of her parents was so poor. Mataz Khatun, 65 of the village said her husband Ayub Hossain had left the four fathers’ profession and working in the crop fields to survive any way. Renowned weaver Abdur Razaaue of Panti Tantiapara when contacted said at least 1,100 weavers were engaged in weaving factories at villages Gobra, Mohannager, Ramnager, Khagorbaria and surrounding areas about 30 years back. But the number had decreased to about 500. Most of the tantees had left profession finding no other alternatives when the ancient profession could not ensure their bread.
He has decided to quit the work as tanti when the Eid Ul Fitre was over next, he said.
Abdur Razzaque said the new generation children of the weavers’ community have been searching jobs in other sectors when it was no more dignified and a losing concern for them.
He said the weavers like him did not see any assistances for the government which were allocated during the global havoc corona virus.