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Addiction to Foreign Fabrics

A touching chapter of Bangladesh's heritage and economy

Published : Friday, 14 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 589
Jannatul Mawa
Have we ever thought about the history woven into the fabric we wear? Our traditional textiles, such as handloom sarees, Jamdani, and Nakshi Kantha, carry the essence of our land. Yet, we are slowly forgetting them. As more people in Bangladesh turn to foreign fabrics, our rich heritage is fading. The legendary craftsmanship behind Muslin and Jamdani is disappearing, like a forgotten tale from the past.

Bangladesh was once renowned for its textile industry worldwide. The Muslin of Bengal was so fine and delicate that it felt like a heavenly touch. Dhakai Jamdani was not just a piece of fabric but a timeless work of art. However, today, we barely look back at this glorious past. Our markets are flooded with foreign fabrics-Indian silk sarees, Pakistani lawn, chiffon, embroidered fabrics, synthetic textiles from Thailand, and cheap polyester from China. These fabrics now dominate both everyday wear and festive occasions.

According to a survey, nearly 60% of people in Bangladesh prefer foreign fabrics for special occasions or social gatherings. Even for daily wear, foreign fabrics are in high demand. A 2024 study shows that the demand for imported fabrics is increasing by 10-15% annually, while sales of local fabrics are declining. As a result, traditional weavers are forced to abandon their ancestral professions in search of other jobs.

Several factors contribute to this decline in demand for local textiles. First, the lack of modern designs and variety. Foreign fabrics continuously introduce new patterns and styles, especially Indian textiles, which attract buyers with their vibrant designs. In contrast, our traditional handloom fabrics, Muslin, and Jamdani rarely undergo innovative changes. Younger generations often dismiss them as "old-fashioned" or "too expensive."

Second, the aggressive marketing strategies of foreign brands. Advertisements for Pakistani brands and Indian silk sarees dominate television and social media. Meanwhile, our local textile industry lacks sufficient promotion. The talent of our traditional weavers remains unrecognized globally because we fail to present our heritage in a modern and appealing way.

Third, the easy availability of foreign fabrics. From large shopping malls to small retail stores and online platforms, imported fabrics are easily accessible. This convenience further diminishes the demand for locally made textiles, pushing our traditional weavers into crisis.


This unreasonable dependence on foreign fabrics not only threatens our heritage but also severely impacts the economy. Once-revered artisans, who created fabrics admired worldwide, now struggle to make ends meet. We have already witnessed the decline of the Muslin industry, and now, Jamdani and silk weavers face a similar fate. This cultural erosion is erasing a vital part of our national identity.

From an economic perspective, Bangladesh spends billions of takas annually on importing foreign fabrics. This drains foreign reserves and creates a financial deficit. Additionally, the decline of local textile industries leads to rising unemployment. Many rural communities, once dependent on traditional weaving, now face economic uncertainty due to the collapse of this industry.

To overcome this crisis, we must take effective measures. First, we need innovation in our local textile industry. Young designers and artisans should collaborate to modernize traditional fabrics. Introducing contemporary designs to Jamdani and handloom sarees can help align them with global fashion trends.

Second, the government should provide special incentives to support the textile industry. This includes offering low-interest loans, technological assistance, and expanding market opportunities. Additionally, imposing higher tariffs on imported fabrics can help control their dominance in local markets.

Third, raising awareness about the importance of supporting local products is crucial. Schools, colleges, and universities should educate students about the significance of traditional textiles. Encouraging the public to choose locally made fabrics can help revive this fading industry.

A nation prospers when it stays connected to its roots. If we let go of the obsession with foreign fabrics and embrace our heritage, we will not only preserve our history but also strengthen our economy. When we take pride in wearing our handloom sarees and Jamdani designs, we ensure that our traditions live on for future generations.

The writer is a Student of English Language and Literature (NU)


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