\\\'Hogla Pati\\\' weaving brings fortune for Barguna villagers

BARGUNA. Apr 22 (BSS): More than 200 families of some remote villages in the district are engaged in weaving hogla mat and they are now better off with their own efforts.
They use hogla pata, the leaves of hogla plant, one kind of grass cultivated on the marshy lands like the river banks, in weaving this mat used by the poor and middle class people in the rural areas for sleeping as well as other purposes.
"Hogla Pati is a blessing for the poor people in this area as with little investment they are making the mats and earning their livelihood after selling those in the markets," said Shahabuddin Panu, executive director of NSS, a local NGO.
Talking to BSS Shohel Hafiz, secretary of Barguna Press Club, said thousands of mats are produced from the hogla plant every year and are sold in the adjoining districts like Patuakhali, Barisal and even in Dhaka. "The members of these families are very expert in making the mats," he added.
During a recent visit of BSS correspondent to different villages of Taltoli, Pathorghata, and Amtali Upazila, villagers were found busy in making mats at their own houses. Many of the villagers make mats collectively in their families with the participation of all members.