As the demand for modern items made of plastic is increasing day by day, the demand for items made of clay is decreasing. As a result, this hundred-year-old traditional pottery industry is now on the verge extinction in Sylhet region.
Many families working in the pottery industry have already become unemployed. The potters, who are still involved in the industry in the region, are struggling to stay in their traditional occupation. So, the pottery industry is struggling for survival.
The number of potters has been declining significantly as the use of aluminum and plastic has increased across Sylhet region as well as in Bangladesh. In the current market, aluminum and plastic pots, pans and pitchers have replaced those of the earthen types used. In the current competitive market, earthenware is less durable, and socially, overall consumers are discouraged from using earthenware. However, there is a lack of patronage.
Talking this correspondent of Bangladesh Post, many potters shared their problems. “I have been making clay pots for the last 35 years. I started working with clay when I was ten. Now I am facing problem. Even just a few years ago, people used to buy clay pots. Now demand of such products decreased. If the industry disappears, where will we go?” said Dilip Paul, a potter in Sylhet.
He further said that once upon a time, there was a huge demand for different types of pottery made of clay daily life. There is still a demand for handicrafts made of clay in more and more urban areas. But due to the increase in the use of plastic products in daily life, the people of modern society are losing enthusiasm for these earthen products.
Using earthenware is healthy and has been in use since ancient times. But this industry and those associated with it are going extinct now due to the indifference of those concerned with government patronage. But there are still many who buy earthenware to keep the old tradition alive. Buyers say that the tradition of Bengal is being lost day by day under the touch of modernity. Everyone should come forward to introduce this art to the present generation.
Pottery artist Rajkumar said we are continuing the business shown by our ancestors. However, it has become difficult to survive in business these days. Along with everything, the price of this earthenware is also increasing. So the product has to be bought at a higher price. Profits are also limited. All in all, the industry is now on the verge of extinction. Market creation and necessary patronage are very important to keep the pottery industry alive. They said that they may be able to continue this profession if they get loan assistance from the government on short terms. Otherwise, this industry will disappear.
