Popularising traditional jute products

Recently, while passing through the busy streets of Dhanmondi, an elderly vendor carrying a few bags and mats caught my attention. I was amazed to see the beautifully stitched jute bags and mats. Despite his old age, the man was shouting at the top of his voice to grab attention of the passers-by. But most pedestrians walked by without even noticing. Mostly the middle-income people, who are unable to afford expensive decorations for their home, bothered to respond to him.

The rising popularity of branded bags and mats has taken over our attention towards jute products. The feeble hawker at the corner of the street deserves much more appreciation for his hard work. And a platform needs to be provided to these people so they can properly display these traditional artefacts. To increase the popularity of our traditional jute products the big companies can play an important role.

Waseka Shahid
On e-mail