Three decades with Tangail Saree Kutir

Tangail Saree Kutir is a name that is synonymous to fashionable yet elegant Bangladeshi saris. Munira Emdad is one of the pioneers of our country who has worked for almost three decades to promote the 'deshi' sari industry, taking quality and design to a bigger, better level. The saris at Tangail Saree Kutir are so beautiful and tasteful that they will leave anyone confused about which one to get.
When asked about how she began the journey of Tangail Saree Kutir, Munira Emdad smiled amicably and narrated how she used to look after a travel agency set up by her husband. She used to find it boring to look after that business. At the time, she had a trip to Tangail where she went to the 'taanti palli' to discover that the workers, after much hard work, were only producing saris that were short in length, had unpleasant patterns and unmatched colour combinations.
She was disheartened to see their state of affairs and with much thought decided to work with them in bringing out saris which would be tasteful and attractive for the masses to buy. Ever since then, she has been involved in the designing of saris, conceptualising colour combinations, weaving patterns and everything else involved in making a sari ready to wear.
“I don't know much about accounts or operations; I just know how to deal with the 'taantis' and how to bring out the best in their work. Even though the yarn prices have gone sky high, I try to provide 'taant saris' in prices as low as Tk 600,” Munira Emdad related.
She very humbly confessed to not being too ambitious when she initiated this venture; a quality which may well be the reason for her success.
On 5 July, 2013 a special addition to the Bailey Road store of Tangail Saree Kutir was inaugurated. Celebrating 30 years of operations across six branches, Tangail Saree Kutir has gained recognition and liking not only amongst Bangladeshis but also in international markets. Therefore this section, towards the rear of the actual store, will facilitate and entertain both international customers and old, loyal customers.
Munira Emdad added: “I have clients who have been buying saris from my shop ever since my journey began. With my shop, they have aged too and have difficulty in climbing the stairs and selecting saris in the crowded shop. They are my inspiration and support, hence I thought I should do something to ease their shopping experience at Tangail Saree Kutir. In addition I would also like foreign customers to be seated comfortably and see my wide, variety of saris”.  This room is a beautiful addition to the store, displaying special pieces of Jamdani and silk saris. It also has beautiful taant saris in bold and sober colours. Saris from the front shop can also be brought here to be shown to special clients.
Talking about her apprehensions, Munira Emdad discussed her fears over whether our heritage of handloom saris will be restored.  Bangladesh is gaining more and more popularity internationally with their handloom products and fabrics. Connoisseurs like Munira Emdad can only hope that the younger generation work to enhance the textile industry in Bangladesh so that the 'taantis' have access to better quality raw materials and other market linkages required to craft the beautiful saris that are steeped in our age-old traditions.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Heera
Wardrobe: Tangail Sari Kutir
Make up: Farzana Shakil
Location: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel