As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, blacksmiths in different parts of the capital city are working day and night to meet the high demand of tools used in Qurbani (animal sacrifice).
These hardworking blacksmiths are making knives, axes, chapatis, and other sharp tools needed for cutting meat and preparing meat of sacrificial animals.
During a recent visit to Karwan Bazar, it was found that just how busy things have become. The sound of hammers, sparks flying from heated metal, and the smell of coal fill the air as blacksmiths prepare their goods. Many buyers are now crowding into markets to purchase the tools needed for Eid.
Kajal Karmakar, a blacksmith at Karwan Bazar, told this correspondent, “There are only a few days left before Eid. We started working a month ago and now we are working nonstop, even late into the night.”
However, prices for these tools have gone up this year. Blacksmiths informed that the cost of raw materials—like iron, coal, and labor—has increased. For example, a sack of coal that cost around Tk 400 to Tk 450 just two months ago now costs is Tk 800 to Tk 850. This situation has forced them to raise the prices of these tools as well.
At places like Malibagh, Khilgaon, and Rampura, retail shops are selling large knives at Tk Tk 700 to Tk 1,500. Medium and small knives are being sold at Tk 150 to Tk 600. Chapatis at Tk 700 to Tk 800. Local axes are priced at Tk 900 to Tk 1,000, while Chinese-made ones are slightly cheaper, at Tk 700 to Tk 800. A tool called "khaita" is selling for Tk 500 to Tk 1,000. Tools like Boti, da, and chapati are sold by weight—usually around Tk 700 to Tk 800 per kg.
Buyers, however, are feeling the pinch. Sarwar Hossain, who came to buy tools in Karwan Bazar, said, “Last year, I bought a da (large knife) at Tk 1,200. This year, the price has gone up to Tk 1,600. The price of iron has gone up, so blacksmiths have also raised their prices.”
Tool sellers are also frustrated. Md. Alamgir, a seller, said, “People only come to us during Eid. No one thinks about how we manage the rest of the year. We sell both wholesale and retail, but now buyers try to bargain too much.”
The rise in cheaper Chinese tools has added to the competition. These imported items are more affordable and look attractive, but local blacksmiths say their handmade tools, especially those made from seasoned iron, are stronger and better in quality.
Even though this is the busiest time of the year for blacksmiths, many say the profit is still not enough. Fuel, raw materials, and labor costs have all gone up.
One blacksmith at Karwan Bazar told this correspondent, “This is our family tradition. But the income is so low that our children don’t want to continue this work. The whole year is tough, but this one month of Eid gives us some hope.”
“Although the local blacksmithing industry is part of our heritage, it is struggling to survive over time,” said Kazi Mahbubur Rashid, Director (Industry Development and Expansion) of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC).
“Lack of modern machinery, high cost of raw materials and lack of market linkages are the main challenges for the industry. BSCIC has already launched technical training and microfinance support projects, but there is a need to take initiatives on a larger scale,” he added.
