Traditional shitalpati mat-making in Kamarkhand, Sirajganj, is gradually disappearing as modern products, plastic materials and declining artisan interest weaken demand for the rural craft. Once widely used in homes during hot weather, for hosting guests and in everyday life, the mats were also important sources of supplementary income for women in artisan families.
Artisan Mononjoy Chandra said shitalpati once had much higher demand, but producers are leaving the trade because they do not receive fair prices despite spending several days to a week making a mat. Worker Anita Rani cited higher raw-material costs, low pay relative to labour and the dominance of modern mats and plastic goods. Elder Billu Chandra said the craft remains closely tied to rural culture and social customs, though its use has declined.
About 300 families in the upazila remain involved in the work, and artisans sell mats in different parts of the country, according to rural development officer Abdur Razzak. He called for modern equipment, training, marketing and low-interest loans. District Commissioner Aminul Islam said the administration would take steps to protect artisans, including credit access and marketing support to help secure fair prices.
একসময় গ্রামবাংলার ঘরে ঘরে ছিল শীতল পাটির কদর। গরমের দিনে মাটির ঘরের মেঝেতে কিংবা বারান্দায় শীতল পাটি বিছিয়ে স্বস্তি পেতেন মানুষ। অতিথি আপ্যায়ন থেকে শুরু করে দৈনন্দিন জীবনের নানা কাজে ব্যবহার হতো দেশীয় ঐতিহ্যের এই পাটি। কিন্তু আধুনিকতার ছোঁয়া, প্লাস্ট
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