A delegation led by Japan-based company Onoda Inc. met with State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam at his office at the Secretariat today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, March 31, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. 
Shariful Alam today said the government is working to develop the country's 
traditional silk sector to boost rural employment and reduce poverty.
 
"The government, under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is 
taking initiatives to promote the silk sector," he said, adding that the 
sector plays a significant role in poverty alleviation as most of its 
workforce consists of underprivileged rural women.

He said that expansion of the silk industry would create more employment 
opportunities in rural areas, stressing the need for attracting foreign 
investment and ensuring coordination among stakeholders to achieve 
sustainable growth.

The state minister made the remarks when a delegation led by Japan-based 
company Onoda Inc. met him at his office at the Secretariat here today.

He said necessary steps are being taken to bring distressed women involved in 
the silk sector under the "family card" facility as per the Prime Minister's 
directives. 

The government is also working to reopen closed factories associated with the 
sector.

Referring to the history of the industry, the state minister said the 
Bangladesh Silk Board was established in 1977 by an ordinance of Shaheed 
President Ziaur Rahman to promote and develop the traditional silk industry. 

Currently, its activities are being carried out in 52 upazilas across 32 
districts of the country.