Streets replete with handicrafts

Handicrafts on display in stalls along the roadside and other points in bigger cities are something very common- be it in historically old and culturally diverse cities like Delhi, Dhaka or any other part of the world!

Dhaka University area is a core tourist point in Dhaka. And when it comes to visiting the university, how can one not visit Curzon Hall, the science faculty of the university housed in a colonial-styled building of historical significance?

There are some such stall right opposite Curzon Hall selling tons of handicraft products of different kinds -from vases, urns, traditional dolls, utensils and much more.

Mamun Hasan Titu of Shanto Mrit Shilpa, said, their target buyers are basically the wholesalers from different corners of the country.

Apart from bric-a-brac for homes, there are handmade ornaments for women such as neckpieces, earrings, bracelets and many other items in varieties of designs, mostly made with wooden and plastic beads.

The shops in the area are not only small businesses themselves, they are patrons of grassroots artisans. Almost all the shops have their factories out of Dhaka, some in Rajshahi, some in Gazipur.

Alif Handicraft is one of bigger shops in the area. The owner of the shop, Rashed Ahmed, told the correspondent that the handicraft industry might flourish with due promotion and government support.

“Our business is festival oriented, such as Pahela Baishakh, Pahela Falgun or puja. Also, owners of commercial and corporate offices buy bigger decorative vases for the office interiors,” Rashed added. 

All the stores along with Alif handicrafts were filled with classy decorative pieces one can use to decorate every corner of the house.

Handicrafts of any country represent the culture, tradition and skill of grassroots people. Exquisite show pieces, colourful lampshades and other decorations add a classy look to one's home and can create a dreamy atmosphere. These handmade products can be exported and tap a huge market abroad.