Mostak Ahmed Monir, Sarishabari (Jamalpur)
Sarishabari’s traditional pottery industry is nearing extinction as falling demand and soaring production costs drive hundreds of artisans and their families into hardship.
Once essential to rural life, earthenware has largely been replaced by plastic, silver and metal goods. Potters say clay and fuel prices have risen several times, while they receive inadequate prices for their products. They also complain of receiving no government financial assistance.
In the past, clay pots were used for cooking, while earthen plates, glasses and pitchers were common household items. Artisans also made flower tubs, teacups, bowls, doi ghoti, children's toys and clay banks. Their products were sold by hawkers and at local fairs, with strong demand at home and abroad keeping potters busy throughout the year.
A recent visit to Palpara village in Baroipotol Palpara of Pingna Union in Sarishabari upazila found many potters sitting idle. Most households in Kumar Para have stopped making and selling pottery, and many artisans have left the ancestral profession for other work. Women make up a large part of the workforce.
Local artisans Bijli Rani Pal, Ranu Bala Pal, Padma Rani Pal and Minati Rani Pal said pottery had flourished since their forefathers' time, but declining demand and rising clay and fuel costs had made the trade increasingly unviable.
They feared the next generation would face hardship if it continued the profession and called for government support and interest-free loans to preserve the traditional craft.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Afroza Afsana said pottery was part of the country's heritage and that the government would provide all possible support to preserve the industry. #EK