Srimangal: Some women are working by sitting roundly. They all are busy in making toys. Someone is weaving yarn, someone is checking for the last time whether the weaving is proper or not. They all are also discussing whose toy is looking good.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the toys are a special kind of doll and it is not harmful if the children take it in their mouths. There is a huge demand for the doll in international markets. Centering the demand, Srimangal of Sylhet becomes a popular name. The dolls, made by women of the Srimangal area, are reaching children across the globe.
The women of South Pachoun village in Mirzapore Union of Srimangal are making the dolls. Some women, including Jobeda, Jashoda, Rahela, Rita, and Shima, are working relentlessly to make dolls.
Climate Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihood (CREL) is providing training for two months to the local women, including school and college-going students, on making dolls. The women who received the training are earning from their homes by making dolls.
CREL communication officer Ilias Mahmud Polash stated that the local women have received two-month-long training from the organization on making dolls. They are now earning money from their home, he added.
Rita Rani, one of the doll makers, mentioned, "I make dolls during my leisure time. I try to give time about three to four hours in the afternoon. I really enjoy the work. I also earn money through the work which helps my family."
Mohua, a college student, said, "I work here for three hours after my college. I always try to make different types of toys for the children. Many college girls like me are also working here."
Jobeda noted that it is not easy to make toys. "We are making different types of toys including octopus, caterpillar, giraffe, and owl. We made about 200 items during our training."
CREL official Md Maniruzzaman explained, "We divided the women of the village into two groups. We provided the training to them in two separate groups. The two groups have received an order of making 100 octopuses."
He added that the programme is aimed at developing the livelihood of the local women. Every woman would get Taka 30 for every octopus as all accessories, including yarn, have been provided at no cost. If they continue the work of making dolls, they can earn Taka 20,000 to 30,000 every month after a few months, he added.
He mentioned that the special products (dolls) are being exported to about 37 countries across the globe. About 80 percent of products are exported to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with these three countries being the major clients of those products.