Abdul Gafur (56), son of the late Fazer Ali Dewan of Bakshail Mahalla of Kesharhat Municipality, Rajshahi, earns a living by selling various traditional bamboo and rattan products from 8 am to 8 pm every day.
He collects these products from nearby artisans and sells them to buyers from different regions.
His collection includes – quile, chalan, mathar, bar dali, muri chala sieve, dali for cutting soil, khalai, rice husk, bauk, cow and goat mouth gumai, fan, palai, jhata, pigeon cage, tupa, dule, dhara etc.
There is still a demand for these locally made products in rural areas.
However, he said that sales have decreased slightly compared to the previous year due to modern plastics and various household necessities made in factories. Nevertheless, Abdul Gafur has been involved in this profession for a long time and continues to support his family.
According to locals, such handicraft traders need proper support and patronage to survive.
Md. Ramzan Ali
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