Rajshahi silk is the name given to the silk products produced in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. It is famous because it is a high quality fabric used for clothing, especially for saris.[1][2] In 2021, it was given Geographical indication status as a product of Bangladesh.[3]
Records date the beginning of silk production in the region to the 13th century. It was then known as Bengal silk or Ganges silk.[4] The government of Pakistan started silk production in Rajshahi in 1952.[5] The Rajshahi Silk Factory was a state owned factory which was founded in 1961. In 1978 it was handed over to the Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board. Since then it has been making a loss. It was closed down on 30 November 2002.[6] Before 2002 300 tonnes of strings were produced by this factory. In 2011 it was only 50 tonnes.[5] In 2011 the finance minister of Bangladesh, Abul Maal Abdul Muhith,[7] expressed interest in reopening the Rajshahi silk factory but the Privatisation Commission refused on the grounds that it was a loss making concern.[8]
Rajshahi silk is like all other kinds of silk made from the cocoonsofsilkworms. The very thin fibers resulting from this process are covered with sericin, a special protein.[9] There are mainly three varieties of silks:
Among these varieties, Mulberry silk is the finest and is therefore the most valuable.
Clothes like Saris made out of Rajshahi silk are highly popular all over Bangladesh.[9] Rajshahi silk is also sold as fabrictodesigners and is available in different colours and designs.
In 2011 there were seven silk factories and the Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute in Rajshahi. Most of the silk of Bangladesh is produced by the region's sericulture.[5] Approximately 100,000 people are directly or indirectly employed in this sector. Rajshahi Silk Industry and Factory Labourers' Union represent the workers in the silk industry.[10]
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