Markets of novel handicrafts have been undergoing drastic changes during the last three decades. Markets had a strong revival in the seventies. People closely watched the events taking place somewhere else in the world. The slogan in Bangladesh, "small is beautiful" was "in" during the seventies along with the interest in other cultures. It was important to know the country of origin. There was a demand for natural products, and it was fashionable to fill the house with ornamental things. In the past handicrafts items used to give a cheap look, so people lost their interest in these articles.
In the eighties there was a transformation of change of the taste of the consumers. The change varied-- old people had already filled their place up with handicrafts while the young ones required new exciting things matching their life styles. They did not care about the materials whether they were handmade or not, or carry any information regarding the country of origin. The crafts only had to suit their taste. This prompted the producers to adapt themselves with this change of conduct among the consumers.
The producers researched, built up institutions and made products suiting the needs of the time. Fair trade is an organised social movement whose stated goal is to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions and to promote sustainability. Members of the movement advocate the payment of higher prices to exporters, as well as higher social and environmental standards. The 10 goals of fair trade movement are: (i) creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers; (ii) fair trading practices; (iii) payment of fair price; (iv) transparency and accountability; (v) ensuring no child labour and forced labour; (vi) commitment to non discrimination, gender equity and women's economic empowerment and freedom of association; (vii) ensuring good working conditions; (viii) providing capacity building; (ix) promoting fair trade; and (x) respect for the environment.
Working hand in hand with the Fair Trade Movement, the NGO's in Bangladesh with the aim of creating jobs and employment for the poor and marginal people specialized in handicrafts production using locally available environment friendly resources. The purpose is to improve socio-economic condition of the producers and artisans and their associated communities. Many NGOs provide training and education to improve producers' skill on products and market. The activities of NGOs are operated as a sustainable self-financed project. Presently Many NGOs work on various handicrafts products. Over the last 30 years many new items have been added to the product range with the purpose of helping more handcrafted producers. The main products are hand-loom products, leather products, clay products, straw art products, hand made paper products, wooden products, bamboo products, recycled materials products, leaf products of different trees and plants, jute products; recycled glass, ceramic, and cane products; embroidery items, palm fibre products, tin sheet products, and decoration items.
Moreover, the handicrafts manufacturers and exporters had formed a national association in 1979 under the name Bangladesh Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association, in short "BANGLACRAFT". The Association was mainly formed with the manufacturers, exporters, traders, producers, designers, promoters and suppliers of handicraft items throughout the country. The association was registered with the Joint Stock Company and the Ministry of Commerce. Banglacraft became affiliated with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI).
From the beginning the government played a vital role in the development of the sector. A number of artisans and producers were directly benefited in marketing of their products at home and abroad. This sector has ensured their contribution in the national economy.
There is one trend that dominates the market everywhere. Simply said this is back to nature and back to naturalness and back to realness. This trend is strongly mixed with nostalgia. A strong need for the perfect product exists everywhere. But as far as material, manufacturing method and packaging; it is the high quality which matters most and counts for generating interest in crafts.
Raw materials available in many developing countries and labour costs are extremely low in comparison to western countries. These are certainly good starting points for success in the international market. It is clear that only those complying with most of the conditions and requirements will be in a position to make the optimum use of what the market has to offer now and will offer in the future. There are bright prospects for the building up of a new market for Bangladeshi handicrafts in most EEC countries as also in other parts of the world. Slowdown in global market opened a new opportunity for Bangladeshi handicrafts locally. The Bangladesh handicrafts sector is looking inward. The fear of a sluggish global demand in coming days has prompted handicraft producers to find innovative ways to increase volume in domestic markets.
The industry which employs many people directly and indirectly has now begun to focus on Bangladesh market while exports of handicrafts during the last two decades have been growing. Handloom products are now getting in the domestic market through the prestigious chain stores. Handicraft items are becoming popular in the domestic market.
Many of the natural baskets made from palm leaf, date leaf and hogla leaf are now popular in making furniture and household goods. The government too is encouraging artisans to manufacture products which are suitable to Bangladesh markets. The exports of handicrafts must continue, at the same time we need to focus on the vast untapped market within the country.
timonsaha@gmail.com
The development of handicraft production in Bangladesh
Timon Saha | Published: July 26, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
Share if you like