Dinajpur, October 2023 – Many families in Bangladesh’s northwestern districts of Nilphamari and Dinajpur are earning their living by making different bamboo products, actively engaged every day in creating household appliances and lifestyle products.
These artisans have mastered the art of transforming bamboo into an array of products, from household appliances to lifestyle items, showcasing their creativity and skill. Though little known to the outside world, these artisans, especially women, are trained and equipped to create wonders in bamboo – from baskets and lampshades to bamboo pens and furniture, creativity of these artisans knows no limit!
45-year-old Minoti Rani is one of the artisans trained as a master trainer under the SDF-funded project “Promoting Integrated Bamboo Based Enterprise Development among SAARC Countries”. Implemented by the Bangladesh Rural Improvement Foundation (BRIF) in Bangladesh, Minoti has further trained over 400 women in Nilphamari district alone, empowering them with valuable skills and knowledge.
As cottage industries based on bamboo, cane and some other fibrous plants face competition to the flourishing plastic goods in the market, these artisans remain dedicated to their craft, driven by the increasing demand for bamboo products in both rural and town areas.
Mr. Shah Ahsan Habib, the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Rural Improvement Foundation (BRIF), emphasizes the unique qualities of bamboo as a sustainable alternative to plastic. He highlights bamboo’s natural, biodegradable, and versatile nature, urging consumers to choose bamboo products for their quality and durability. “Next time when you go shopping for you and your family, make sure that you look out for products that are made from bamboo,” he said.
The SDF project has played a pivotal role in training over 1,000 artisans in handicrafts, lifestyle products, and furniture making. Participants from thousands of households are equipped with comprehensive knowledge of bamboo cultivation and processing, ensuring a sustainable supply chain. Additionally, the project has established two Community Facility Centers and provided essential equipment, further supporting the local bamboo industry.
Bamboo’s resilience in tropical climates makes it an abundant and versatile resource for these artisans. Their creations range from traditional baskets and lampshades to innovative products such as winnowing-fan, boxes, fish-traps, hand-fans and frames, showcasing the versatility of this eco-friendly material.
BRIF’s executive director emphasizes the urgency of embracing sustainable practices, urging consumers to prioritize bamboo-based products. He believes that by gradually adopting these eco-friendly alternatives, communities can contribute to a greener economy.
The rise of bamboo craftsmanship not only empowers local communities but also promotes sustainable living practices. With continued support and awareness, bamboo products have the potential to redefine consumer choices and contribute to a more environmentally conscious society. “There is a wide range of daily use products made from bamboo, which we can gradually start adopting one by one,” Mr. Habib said.
