Bamboo crafts are gradually disappearing in the reign of plastic in Rajshahi. However, this traditional bamboo crafts of rural Bengal still survive in a few villages of Tanore upazila.
With the advent of modernity, this traditional, long-standing bamboo cane industry is gradually disappearing after failing to compete with plastic furniture. Cottage artisans are now facing a difficult time due to the lack of demand for bamboo products. As a result, many cottage artisans have now involved in other professions.
In the recent past, cottage artisans made a living by making bamboo baskets, baskets, bowls and rice drums (Dhama), as well as aari (large bowl) and katha (small bowl).
In those days, artisans were highly valued as bamboo cottage industries were used in every household in rural Bangladesh. But as the demand for various bamboo products decreased day by day, the artisans involved with this industry are facing a very bad time to survive.
During the Aush, Aman and Boro paddy seasons, many cottage artisans from the villages of Gokul-Mathura in Mundumala Upazila, Mahalipara, Beranpara in Chanduria Union and Tanore Municipality would sit at home with their families and make various items, including bamboo baskets and rice-drums.
The male members of the families visited various markets and villages in the upazila and the district to sell the goods they made.
Judgeman, Juakim, and Annelus, artisans from the Kuthi village of Mundumala Mahalipara in the upazila said that bamboo has become scarce and the price is also high. As a result, they are not getting a good price for the bamboo crafts. This has made it difficult for them to run the family.
Kamna Rani and Menoka Rani , cottage artistans from Gokul Mathura village of the upazila, said, "We have been maintaining the bamboo industry in this village for twenty years by making various types of bamboo cane products. Now the value of the items we make is not as high as before."
Plastic products have taken their place. Moreover, capital is needed for this work. If government would support, it would be helpful for them to make the handicraft items, they said.
Kamel Mardi, Headmaster of Mundumala Government High School in Tanore and leader of the marginal ethnic community people, said that in the 1980s', bamboo industry was a booming business in Mundumala Mahalipara. But its value has declined due to the advent of various plastic products made using technology. Moreover, now the price of bamboo is also high.
Compared to that, the price of bamboo products is still low. However, he believes that it is possible to sustain this industry if government assistance is received.
In this regard, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Liakat Salman said, those who are still involved in this industry and are making a living through this profession may apply to the Upazila administration and they would be supported.
