Suzit Kumar Das

The wooden shuttle moves back and forth through the handloom as 64-year-old Awal Byapari weaves jute fabric at his home in Baishrashi village in Faridpur’s Sadarpur upazila.

Awal once earned Tk 1,500-2,000 a month selling tea. Today, he runs a home-based jute products business, earning up to Tk 50,000 a month

Adverse weather has reduced jute yields this year, while export restrictions have weakened demand and pushed down prices, raising fears of losses among farmers.

Farmers flock to the historic market in Faridpur's Bhanga for boats needed to harvest, ret and wash jute in waterlogged fields

Spoilage, rainfall and dwindling stocks push wholesale prices sharply higher

Nine villages affected as the Padma and Arial Khan wash away homes, roads and farmland, forcing families to relocate

An old shoulder bag hangs from her side. Her faded clothes bear the marks of years on the road, and dust clings to her feet. Whether in the alleys of Faridpur town, at shrines, along the riverbank or at cultural events, 65-year-old Laili Begum blends in effortlessly.

Nader Ali Mondal, a farmer from Jadurchar village in Kurigram’s Roumari upazila, expanded jute cultivation from eight to 10 bighas this season after earning good returns last year. But heavy rainfall during April and May reduced yields, and he now fears losses.