Weaving made by Rakhine women are very popular. At one time the Rakhine countryside was quite busy. Due to various crises, this tradition is now lost. The artisans are turning away from the weaving industry due to the increase in the price of raw materials. They say it needs government or private support to keep it alive. It is learned that weavers are frustrated because modern weaving techniques are not covered. In the context of the present time, livelihood is miserable. Traditional hand-woven lungis, towels, sheets, and other materials are relatively expensive but durable for a long time. However, the increase in the price of yarn, and the financial crisis have made this profession critical for them. However, the people of this community want government or private support to sustain the traditional weaving industry.
Lase Rakhine, a female entrepreneur of the Rakhine community, said that their main occupation was agriculture. However, with the evolution of time, the people of this community have lost their arable land and now their main occupation is weaving. The ancients used to weave cloth for their own needs.
They keep that tradition from generation to generation. Although this is their tradition, they are currently suffering. Because the price of raw materials has increased but the price of handmade products has not increased. However, due to the increase in demand for products, the effort has increased. But he does not get wages of labor in comparison. Leaders of philanthropic organizations say that we live together with the Rakhine community regardless of caste and religion.
Although they were once wealthy, some of their wealth has been reduced by the sale of their land holdings. Men and women work equally in this community. However, women are more involved in weaving. Apart from meeting their needs, all these weavers also make various clothes commercially. But they will benefit more if they have training and machinery in modern weaving methods. BSCIC Patuakhali Assistant General Manager (Acting) Md. Alamgir Sikder said, no training has been given yet among the Rakhine community. However, the training program is going on in Taltali of Barguna district with the Rakhine community.
ARS
