Dhaka, Mar 31 (V7N) – 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, noting that the industry plays a key role in poverty alleviation, particularly as most workers are underprivileged rural women.

He said expanding the silk industry would create more employment opportunities in rural areas, emphasizing the need to attract foreign investment and ensure coordination among stakeholders for sustainable growth.

The remarks came as a delegation from Japan-based Onoda Inc. met the minister at his Secretariat office.

Shariful Alam said steps are being taken to bring distressed women engaged in the silk sector under the “family card” facility, in line with the Prime Minister’s directives. He also noted that efforts are underway to reopen closed factories linked to the sector.

Highlighting the industry’s background, he said the Bangladesh Silk Board was established in 1977 under an ordinance by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to promote and develop the traditional silk industry.

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

END/AJ/RH