Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Sabekunnahar Mitu, a young woman from Faridpur, had vague notions, but no concrete plans of becoming an entrepreneur. An unlikely event made her curious about eco-friendly handicrafts, and she now not only makes a good profit from her venture but also employs around 400 people in her locality.

Persistent problems, such as the price hike of raw materials and reduced demand, are forcing many weavers in Tangail to leave their profession, with the number of handlooms and artisans rapidly decreasing and many fearing the 200-year-old tradition is nearing a point of no return.

Tucked inside Baitul Aman Housing Society at Adabor is the factory outlet of “Hand Touch” -- a handicrafts venture with a focus on recycling and catering to a niche market of hand-woven textiles in Bangladesh and abroad.