Satkhira: The boat manufacturing industry in Satkhira has gained significant popularity across the southern region of the country due to its quality and diversification. About 150 craftsmen have secured employment through this burgeoning venture, fulfilling the demands for boats in various parts of the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a visit to the manufacturing site along the Satkhira-Khulna highway in the Patkelghata area reveals bustling activities among the craftsmen. Tasks range from cutting wood to setting the boat structure, joining wood pieces, finishing work with machines, and applying tar to the boat's hull. The artisans are continuously engaged in their work, reflecting the industry's vibrant nature.
The boat-making industry has established itself on both sides of the Satkhira-Khulna highway in the Patkelghata area, from where over 2,000 boats are sold annually across the country. The monsoon season, which leaves Satkhira and vast coastal areas submerged for more than six months each year, underscores the critical role of boats for communication in the region. Satkhira-made boats not only meet local demand but also supply various districts.
Traders have noted that the prices of wood and other materials, along with workers' wages, have increased, raising the production costs of boats typically made from Khoi, Mahogany, Chambal, and Eplipli wood. While the industry produces various types of boats, Dingi, fishing boats, Taburi boats, and Kheya boats are particularly in demand.
Anwar Hossain, owner of Messrs Aishi Boat Workshop, has been involved in this trade for about 30 years, inheriting the profession from his forefathers. His workshop employs around 25 workers. Despite the escalating costs of materials and labor, which result in a low-profit margin, he serves customers in Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, and Narail.
Sazzad Hossain, another workshop owner, explained that boat prices start at Taka 10,000 and can reach several lakh depending on size and quality. He employs about 10 workers in his workshop, paying daily wages between Taka 600 to 800. The increased cost of wood and nails means a sale typically yields only Taka 2,000 to 3,000 in profit.
Producers primarily use Mahogany, Khoi, and Chambal wood, along with nails, spikes, and treenails, for boat construction. A 12-hand-length Khoi wood boat costs approximately Taka 10,000 to make and sells for Taka 11,000 to 12,000.
Tuhin, a boat maker, expressed satisfaction with his daily earnings of Taka 700, which supports his family well. Gourab Das, the Deputy Manager of Satkhira BSCIC Industrial City, assured artisans of support in their business, highlighting BSCIC's commitment to working with entrepreneurs in small, cottage, and medium industries. He noted the popularity of the boat-making industry in Satkhira and mentioned that some factories are registered with BSCIC, offering potential financial assistance upon request.