Revived Dhakai Muslin Prepares to Enter Global Luxury Market
Bangladesh is preparing to take its revived Dhakai Muslin into commercial production, combining recovered cotton-growing and weaving techniques with artisan training and plans for private-sector participation.
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In a Nutshell
- Researchers and artisans have recovered the “Phuti Karpas” cotton, spinning techniques and weaving processes needed to reproduce Dhakai Muslin. Intensive training has helped spinners produce yarn reaching 750 metric count, a measure of its exceptional fineness.
- The government is implementing a second-phase revival project worth Tk18.5 crore, focusing on further research, production improvements and commercial expansion.
- More than 300 marginalised women have been trained to spin ultra-fine yarn. Dhakai Muslin House in Tarabo, Narayanganj, is serving as a centre for production and transferring the techniques to private entrepreneurs.
- Luxury brands from the United States, France and Japan have shown interest, and an international order for 500 yards has been completed.
- Production remains expensive and labour-intensive. Efforts are underway to reduce the production cost of a saree from an initial Tk3.6 lakh to between Tk1 lakh and Tk3 lakh, positioning the fabric primarily as a luxury product.
Context
Known as “woven air” for its extraordinary lightness, Dhakai Muslin was once prized internationally. Its revival has required more than recreating a fabric: researchers and artisans have worked to recover its distinctive cotton, relearn delicate spinning techniques and rebuild specialised weaving tools and skills. Following the restoration phase, the focus is now shifting towards commercial production.
Why It Matters
For generations, many Bangladeshis could only imagine Dhakai Muslin through storybooks. But now it is a reality. The meticulous recovery of its raw materials, tools and production techniques has brought muslin out of the pages of history. Its return could help Bangladesh stand out in the global luxury market.
What We Think
The government’s initiative is a positive example of turning heritage into a living craft rather than leaving it in just storybooks. The revival has already given rural woman income opportunities. The priority now is to connect the trained artisans with regular work, so the people behind the revival story can also improve their life.