Topi makers passing busy time ahead of Eid

Topi manufacturers at Tentulia upazila in Panchagarh district are passing a very busy time as the demand for the prayer cap has increased sharply ahead of Holy Eid-ul-Fitr. The topi makers at Mathaphata village of Tentulia are working round the clock to meet its demand on the occasion of Eid. Topi makers said they are giving importance on producing topis of trendy and new designs to draw attention of buyers. Asked about the history of topi production at the village, locals said Abdul Hannan, a lecturer at a local degree madrasa, and his friend Abdur Razzak, a tailor by profession, purchased different equipment in 1993 with the curiosity of producing topis. Having prepared 100 topis, the duo took those to the capital for sale. Getting good response from traders of different markets in the capital, the two friends planned for commercial production of prayer caps. In 1994, they set up a topi factory named Al-khaiyat Cap Industry at Mathaphata village. Afterwards, some 10 to 12 other topi factories sprang up at the village. The topis produced in the factories are not only meeting the local demand but they are also being exported to different Middle East countries, Indonesia, Tazakistan and Pakistan, according to a news agency.