Rupganj Correspondent: The centuries-old amulet-making craft is now on the verge of extinction in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district due to a growing economic crisis.
This traditional family trade, passed down through generations for nearly 200 years, once provided a livelihood for 500 to 700 families in the region. Now, it struggles to survive in the face of modernisation, rising costs, lack of government support, and shifting religious sentiments.
In areas such as Choraba, Tan Mushri, Vingrab, Dakshinbagh, and parts of the Sadar Union, around 200 families are still involved in this intricate craft. Both men and women from these households participate in making amulets, with even children lending a hand. The process is labour-intensive, involving the use of metals such as copper, bronze, zinc, iron, and brass. These materials are cut, moulded, soldered, sealed, and painted before the final products are sent to market.
Artisans say they are unable to expand their business due to capital shortages. The cost of raw materials ranges from Tk 500 to Tk 700 per kilogram, posing a serious challenge. They suggest that low-interest government loans could help them scale up production. Including this craft within the cottage industry sector would make artisans eligible for various incentives and support.
In the 1980s and 1990s, amulets were widely popular. At the time, nearly every market corner had a local amulet-maker. Known as "Kobiraj," spiritual healers and religious figures would write verses from the Quran, Arabic prayers, or numerological symbols on amulets believed to protect wearers from illness, misfortune, or evil spirits. These amulets were not just spiritual tools but sources of psychological comfort for many rural people.
A single family can still produce between 6,000 and 8,000 amulets per month. These items come in various local names—Sambu, Bambu, Pai, Boro Majla, Chhoto Majla, and Mastul—and are sold in bundles of hundreds or thousands. While iron amulets fetch lower prices, those made of brass, silver, or gold are more expensive.
Today, the industry is in steep decline. Rising raw material costs, changing attitudes towards religious practices, and the rise of modern medicine and education have significantly reduced demand. Many now view the use of amulets as outdated or even contrary to religious beliefs, labelling them as “shirk” (associating partners with God), further contributing to their fall in popularity.
Once, Rupganj’s amulets were exported to other parts of Bangladesh—such as Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal—as well as to India and the Middle East. But now, international orders have dried up. Income has fallen, while labour costs remain high. With little profit and no security, the younger generation is reluctant to continue the trade. Yet, many artisans, both old and young, are determined to preserve their ancestral heritage despite mounting hardship.
Ramprasad Adhikari, a senior artisan, explained that each amulet costs between 80 paisa to Tk 1 to produce, depending on the type. "Because we rely on wholesalers for capital, we are forced to sell them for Tk 1.20 to Tk 1.70 per piece. If we had our own capital, we could sell them at Tk 1.50 to Tk 2 each, making a better profit."
Bala Rani, another artisan, said, “My in-laws were also involved in amulet-making. I’ve continued their legacy, despite the challenges.”
Dilip Mondal remarked, “People in Rupganj have been involved in this craft for nearly 200 years. It once brought good income, but now the profits are low, and costs are high. With government support and easy loan access, we might be able to save this profession.”
Nurul Haque noted, “Our amulets used to reach Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and even India and the Middle East. Sometimes, we’d travel to different markets to sell directly. Those days are gone.”
Sculptor Sirajul Islam shared, “Each family produces up to 8,000 amulets a month. But rising costs and dependency on wholesalers means we make little. Still, we continue, out of loyalty to our forefathers.”
Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saiful Islam Joy responded, “I’ve heard that several families still rely on amulet-making for their livelihoods. To preserve this traditional craft, we’ll soon meet with the artisans and explore what support can be offered from the upazila administration.
