A female workers busy processing bamboos at Rifaitpur Patnipara village of Gaibandha Sadar Upazila to make household items — FE Photo GAIBANDHA, Feb 27: The traditional bamboo industry in the district is now on the collapse as the bamboo price has come down and the demand for its products has fallen to a great extent.
About 1,000 artisans of 320 families in 18 villages of seven upazilas of Gaibandha are engaged in the profession of their forefathers, according to local office of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC).
They use bamboos to make kula, chalun, topa, dala, khai chala, pakha, hocha, topa etc. for keeping chickens, rugs, cages, ladders, mats, baskets and other types of household items.
However, such a scene is no longer seen in the localities. This bamboo industry is now on the verge of extinction.
Villagers are generally involved in the bamboo-cane industry. So, this art is called rural folk art.
Due to the evolution of time and modern technology, its tradition is disappearing today. Plastic and wooden products have replaced it.
During a visit, this correspondent has found about 65 artisans, including couples and children from 14 families, involved in this profession at Rifaitpur Patnipara village of Gaibandha Sadar Upazila.
Nakul Sricharan Das who engaged in the profession has said, "We've already made various items from bamboos. Basically, we have no training for this job. We learned this work from our fathers and grandfathers."
"The prices of bamboos have increased but the prices of its products have not been raised comparatively. As a result, we're not getting fair prices. We can move around if we get support from the government."
Hafizur Rahman Babu, founder and chairman of the Gaibandha Entrepreneurs Forum, said bamboo products are not getting fair prices due to lack of proper marketing.
He also said that the government's support is needed to make this industry flourish and profitable.
Jahangir Kabir Tanu, convener of the Gaibandha Social Struggle Parishad, said this industry will flourish if the government provides financial support for it.
Also, if loans are given through banks, a large number of people will get involved in this profession, he added.
Gaibandha BSCIC Assistant General Manager Rabindra Nath Roy said various initiatives have been taken to keep this profession alive.
To improve the qualitative work, those involved in this industry will be given loans on easy terms and conditions, he added.
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