Future bright for Bangladeshi handicraft
Bangladesh is well-known for its exotic crafts legacy and tradition. Variety of designs and finishes are available in Bangladeshi market that reflects excellent craftsmanship which has a global demand. Bangladesh is one of the important suppliers of handicrafts to the world market. Artisans of our country are producing handicraft products like nakshi kantha, pottery and terracotta, shital pati and bamboo craft. They are also producing home furnishing items like pillow covers, jute bags, executive bags, laptop bags, shaving kit bags. These are exported to different countries around the world. However, it is time to make our handicraft products more diversified.
Variety of designs and finishes are available in Bangladeshi market that reflects excellent artistic skills of craftsmen are in great demand globally. Bangladesh is one of the important suppliers of handicrafts to the world market. Since countries like China, Vietnam and Thailand, which are known for producing handicraft products, are shifting towards high-tech industries there is an excellent opportunity for us to capture the global market. Thousands of people in the country who are bearing the brunt of unemployment can be engaged in this industry. They can earn for themselves and lead a decent life. The rural people get the direct benefits of these product manufacturing projects. Since the demand for Bangladeshi handicrafts is increasing, more creative people are coming to this profession and more exclusive and creative products are coming out. We also collect exclusive products from artisans and suppliers around the country.
The handicrafts industry does not require big capital-intensive machinery or massive infusions of funds. Skilled human resources and some craft tools are the key components for this sector. Almost all raw materials can be sourced domestically. The SME Foundation, a government-owned organisation, had been offering loans at single-digit interest rates to new entrepreneurs to encourage the export of handicrafts. This is helping emerging entrepreneurs to explore new markets for exporting innovative products. What is needed now is due patronage from the relevant authorities. The banks can provide loan facilities to the persons interested to work in this sector. There are not enough research labs to produce unique and innovative designs, nor are there any research institutions to analyse the local and global markets and their needs and demands. The above mentioned key issues need to be addressed for expanding this sector.
