"Eid-ul-Fitr is ahead. People of Bangladesh buy new clothes on the occasion. I call upon all to purchase clothes made by local handlooms during the Eid festival," she made this appeal to the people to help thousands of poor weavers severely affected by the recent devastating floods.

In a message, the prime minister said the recent floods had left heavy losses in many sector{, including the handloom, throwing the weavers into acute financial crisis.

She said the government has taken up rehabilitation programme to activate the handloom industry and people of the country should come forward in aid of the weaver{.

Buying clothes made by local handlooms during the coming Eid, Durga Puja and other festivals, the prime minister said, would benefit the poor weavers, revitalise the handloom industry, save country's foreign currency and also keep a positive impact on national economy.