"Looms are closely linked to our heritage and culture. These are part of our history and tradition," he said while distributing grants among the flood-affected marginal Monipuri loom owners, provided by the Bangladesh Tant Board (BTB).

Deputy Commissioner SM Faisal Alam presided over the ceremony while chairman of the Board M Akram Hossain was present as special guest.

Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet Abdul Hakim Mondol, members of the Board Dr MR Sharif, Dr M A Azim Jahangir and president of BNP Sylhet City unit Ariful Haq Chowdhury spoke on the occasion.

Referring to the low price and high quality of Benarasi and Jamdani saris, the finance minister said "the quality of our Benarasi is better than the Indian ones." However, he said, the weavers have to keep its design up-to-date.

He urged the BTB to provide technical and other supports to the weavers to help them improve the design and expand the market of the saris.

Saifur Rahman said the main objective of our economic development is to alleviate poverty.

"Our resources are very limited. However, we would be able to make good progress if the resources are utilised properly," he added.

Appreciating the lifestyle and high literacy rate in the Monipuri community, the finance minister urged the BTB to set up 'Tant Palli' (loom village) and design training centres in Sylhet for the Monipuri weavers.

The minister handed over cheques for Tk 6.30 lakh to 281 weavers.