Bangladesh, Aug. 7 -- BENAPOLE, Aug 06: Unavailability of affordable financing forces needlecraft businesses to shut down, threatening export potential. Once celebrated for its intricate handcrafted embroidery, Jashore's traditional needlework industry is now facing an existential crisis as a severe shortage of capital forces entrepreneurs to close their businesses, putting several thousand livelihoods at risk.

Advertisement For decades, hand-embroidered nakshi kantha, sarees, panjabis, three-piece outfits, bed covers, cushion covers and tablecloths made by skilled women artisans from Jashore earned acclaim both at home and abroad.

Products featuring Lucknow, Kantha, Nakshi, Lahori, Sujani, Jashore Stitch and Shantipuri embroidery foun...