An enterprising man from the outlying village of Bagerhat named Mustafiz is gearing up to ship 120 wooden houses to Belgium. A workforce of 200 is diligently crafting these homes, entirely constructed from wood including walls, doors, windows, and roofs.
Mustafiz Ahmed, founder of the Natural Fibre Institute, believes government support can propel this initiative further. According to him, each house is completed within a week, generating employment and boosting foreign currency inflow.
Operations are centered in Karri, a village near Bagerhat's district headquarters, where skilled workers specialize in various aspects of house construction— from framing to finishing touches like painting and polishing. These eco-friendly houses, each measuring 11 meters by 4.5 meters, are made exclusively from locally sourced materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
The modular design facilitates easy transportation and assembly, making these homes versatile for any location.
The project began after Mustafiz secured an order from a Belgian eco park earlier this year. The agreement specifies the use of native mahogany and biodegradable materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices.
Carpenter Mojahid, excited about the project, notes the precision training and craftsmanship involved. Factory worker Shariful Islam expresses newfound admiration for the beauty of these wooden homes, previously unimaginable.
Saiful, another worker, shares pride in their craftsmanship reaching international markets.
Moniruzzaman Molla Shahin, a consultant at Bagerhat Natural Fibre, advocates for using Mongla port to expedite exports, emphasizing cost and time efficiency.
Yunus R. Rafi, from Bagerhat Industrial City, highlights the potential boost to Bangladesh's global reputation through such eco-friendly exports, promising full support for entrepreneurs venturing into foreign markets.
Previously known for wooden bicycles and other eco-friendly products, the Natural Fibre Institute now focuses exclusively on these innovative wooden houses, aiming to meet international demand with sustainable, locally crafted solutions.
