The pottery industry was previously renowned worldwide for its eco-friendly products. For the lack of proper care, the industry in Sylhet is now on the path to extinction.
The people’s interest in the clay industry has been steadily declining over the past few years. The government is yet to take substantial steps to preserve this once glorious ancient tradition.
Some potters said that the government should take initiative to revive the pottery products as these are eco-friendly. “We are still involved in the pottery industry. We live on the industry. If the industry disappears, where we will go?”, said a potter of Sylhet.
Talking to the Bangladesh Post, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said, “If anyone shows eagerness to develop the clay industry, we provide our support to them. But at the moment we do not have any specific plans to revive the industry.”
The origin of pottery in Bangladesh can be traced back to the Mahenjodaro and Harappa civilizations. Centuries old earthenware were found after the excavation of Mohasthangar in Bogura. Pottery making is a part of our heritage and culture.
Although the industry is facing threat of extinction, many potters at Beanibazar upazila and some other parts in Sylhet are still making traditional items. But many of them are leaving their trade in search of other means of livelihood.
Ronjon Malakar, an artist of clay industry at Joldup area under Beanibazar upazila in Sylhet, told this correspondent that the people are now reluctant to buy these products as there are plastic alternatives more readily available in our country. He urged the government to take immediate steps to revive the industry as a whole.
Meanwhile, many clay artists are now shifting their profession as it no longer profitable. Many have already taken up other jobs in order to earn their livelihood.
The earthenware materials like pitcher, pot, dishes, bowls, yogurt pots, bunch, flower vases, statues, bird, utensils, dolls, toys and other domestic materials were seen in every house in the country in the past. But these disappeared from houses of many people.
A ceramic trader said that pottery industry is one of the most common traditional items of Bengali culture which is now on the verge of extinction for the modern plastic items' availability.
