During the inauguration of a month-long handloom fair, leaders of Bangladesh Weavers Products & Manufacturers Business Association raised the demand.

Textiles Minister Abdul Matin Chowdhury formally inaugurated the Handloom Products Export Fair 2003 on Panthapath road in Dhaka.

The handloom product manufacturers also urged the minister to help them set up a permanent display centre for their products.

Speaking at the inaugural function, President of the association Abu Taher said they urgently need cash incentives for exporting handloom products.

"We manufacture quality products which can be exported to the USA, India, Japan, Canada and other countries having huge demand of such products," he said.

He said the previous government had stopped providing cash incentives to the handloom manufacturers hurting the growth of the sector.

Responding to the demands, the textiles minister said the government has a fund for the handloom manufacturers from which disbursement will be made soon.

The government will also consider the demand for cash incentives and setting up a display centre, he assured the handloom manufacturers.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Vice-president Abul Kasem Haider and Bangladesh Jamdani Manufacturers Association President Mizanur Rahman also spoke at the function.

A total of 113 stalls have been opened in the fair showcasing handloom products including sarees, lungis and shawls. A variety of traditional Benarasi, Tangail, Jamdani and Manipuri sarees are also on display.

The exhibition will remain open from 10am to 9pm everyday till Eid-ul-Fitr.