Bell-metal industry in N dists facing ruination
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Our Correspondent
SIRAJGANJ, Oct 16: The traditional bell-metal industry of the three northern districts -- Sirajganj, Pabna and Bogra -- has been gradually perishing over the last four decades due to various reasons. It is on the verge of extinction, sources said.
The districts were once famous for bell metal and brass industries. Various household appliances and utensils made at the factories were used in almost every house of the areas, irrespective of class or creed.
The artisans of the areas used to make almost all kinds of household accessories like brass plates, pitchers, dishes, spoons, goblets, flower-vases, statues, toys, etc.
Ornaments made of brass and bell metals were also exported to foreign countries.
Moreover, the brass and bell-metal utensils have a hygienic value according to some people. But the heydays of the bell metal industry do not exist in the areas now.
According to the sources, some 5,000 people connected with the age-old industry have been forced to abandon their ancestral profession and accept other jobs to earn their livelihood.
Some artisans have told this correspondent that there is now scarcity of copper and zinc which are the basic ingredients for making the products.
SIRAJGANJ, Oct 16: The traditional bell-metal industry of the three northern districts -- Sirajganj, Pabna and Bogra -- has been gradually perishing over the last four decades due to various reasons. It is on the verge of extinction, sources said.
The districts were once famous for bell metal and brass industries. Various household appliances and utensils made at the factories were used in almost every house of the areas, irrespective of class or creed.
The artisans of the areas used to make almost all kinds of household accessories like brass plates, pitchers, dishes, spoons, goblets, flower-vases, statues, toys, etc.
Ornaments made of brass and bell metals were also exported to foreign countries.
Moreover, the brass and bell-metal utensils have a hygienic value according to some people. But the heydays of the bell metal industry do not exist in the areas now.
According to the sources, some 5,000 people connected with the age-old industry have been forced to abandon their ancestral profession and accept other jobs to earn their livelihood.
Some artisans have told this correspondent that there is now scarcity of copper and zinc which are the basic ingredients for making the products.