Conch bangle industry in Manikganj's Ghior battling to survive

A CORRESPONDENT
MANIKGANJ, July 22: In the small village of Chhoto Boruria under Poila union in Ghior upazila of Manikganj district, century-old Shankha or conch bangle (a bangle-shaped ornament made from the shell of marine conchs) manufacturing industry
is now fighting for survival.
Known for its Shankha (conch bangle) craftsmanship, the village was once a thriving hub of this artisanal heritage. But over the past two decades, rising raw material costs, declining market demand, and limited capital have pushed the industry to the edge of collapse.
Currently, around 15 to 20 families in Choto Boruria continue to retain the legacy despite mounting challenges.
Historical accounts suggest that families with the surnames Sen, Dutta, and Kar laid the foundation of the Shankha industry in the early 19th century.
Raw conches were imported from Sri Lanka and India, then cut, polished, and carved into bangles to be sold in local markets. Over the time, the craft gained popularity across various regions of the country.
During a recent visit to Boruria, it was observed that both men and women are actively engaged in the production process. From cutting and polishing to intricate designing, the work continues throughout the day. Currently, a pair of Shankha sells anywhere at a price between Tk200 and 2,000, depending on size and quality. However, artisans say that government support is urgently needed to hold up the industry.
Ujwala Rani Sen, who lost her husband when her son was just three months old, shared her journey. "After my husband died, I had no choice but to learn this craft to support my family. My son is now in the 12th grade. We barely survive on the little we earn - about Tk 200 to 300 a day. The demand has fallen drastically; we now have only one-fourth of the work we used to have."
Ananda Kar, another artisan, said, "Our biggest problem is the rising cost of raw materials. Prices have increased, but demand has decreased. A decent pair of Shankha now costs at least Tk700 to 800 to produce, and our earnings have dropped significantly."
Gopendra Nath Dutta highlighted the financial pressures. "This industry is almost stagnant now. We import conches from India, which is expensive. We often have to take high-interest loans from NGOs to buy raw materials. Whatever little profit we make goes into repaying the loans. Without government intervention, it will be hard to survive."
His wife, Sunita Dutta, added, "I can't do the design work, but I help my husband with polishing and packing. That saves us some costs. But we're struggling."
Subodh Sen, another veteran artisan, shared his concern, "Almost everyone in the village used to be involved in this craft. Now, only 15 to 20 of us remain. With falling demand, rising costs, and a lack of capital, this work is no longer profitable. We need easy loans or support from the government to preserve this heritage."
Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Dr Manowar Hossain Mollah has assured support. He said, "I will visit Boruria village personally to speak with the artisans. The district administration is committed to preserving and promoting the Shankha industry of Ghior. We will take necessary measures, including online market creation and resolving their capital issues."
Unless concrete steps are taken soon, the century-old industry that once brought pride to the region may quickly disappear, he observed.
asadlimon@gmail.com