Narsingdi:Despite facing stiff competition from modern showrooms and machine-made footwear, artisans in the Arshinagar Mor area of Narsingdi Sadar upazila are diligently preserving the traditional handmade footwear industry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these artisans encounter several challenges, including limited capital, rising raw material costs, and a dwindling customer base. However, their deep-rooted connection to the craft and the necessity to sustain their livelihoods deter them from abandoning this inherited profession.
In Arshinagar Mor, small shops bustle with activity as artisans engage in cutting leather, stitching materials, and assembling footwear components. The air is permeated with the familiar scent of leather and adhesive as workers transform raw materials into shoes and sandals with skilled hands.
A recent visit to the area revealed that some workshops employ multiple workers, while others are managed by a single artisan who oversees the entire manufacturing process. These workshops not only serve as production centers but also as vital sources of livelihood for many families.
Dilip Rabi Das, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, transitioned to the footwear business after losing his job at a multinational company. He now runs a small footwear shop, which has become the primary income source for his family. Das notes the difficulty of competing with large showrooms but emphasizes producing affordable footwear for low-income customers.
Customers like Nasir Uddin, a boatman, express a preference for handmade footwear due to their affordability. He mentions purchasing quality footwear for Tk 700, a price unattainable for similar quality in large showrooms.
Market insiders acknowledge the potential of the handmade footwear industry, although rising raw material costs and a decrease in profit margins pose challenges. Nonetheless, the tradition of local craftsmanship continues to meet the needs of low-income individuals.
The artisans remain hopeful for fair pricing, improved access to raw materials, and expanded market reach. With appropriate support and increased customer interest, they believe the handmade footwear industry in Arshinagar could flourish once more.