Photo: BSS

By Bipul Ashraf 

CHUADANGA, Nov 28, 2025 (BSS) - With the onset of biting cold, quilt and mattress makers in Chuadanga have become increasingly busy. For much of the year, they pass idle days due to limited demand, but the winter season transforms the scene, bringing brisk business and higher income.

This year, winter arrived earlier than usual in Chuadanga. From the latter part of Kartik (Month in Bangla calendar), the cold began to set in firmly. In previous years, quilt and mattress work usually started in Agrahayan (Bangla Month), but this season artisans and traders engaged in the business became busy much earlier.

As the cold grips the district, quilt and mattress making has gained momentum across villages in all four upazilas in the district. Customers are flocking to shops, and artisans are working tirelessly to meet demand.

A spot visit to Chuadanga town's Bara Bazar, Court Mor, and various shops in Jibannagar upazila revealed owners, workers and cotton beaters deeply engaged in beating cotton and sewing. Fabric for quilts had already been purchased, and shops were crowded with buyers -- some placing orders, while others taking away ready-made quilts.

Artisan Azibor Rahman said the colder it gets, the busier they become. Anticipating further intensity of winter, people from villages and upazila towns are ordering new quilts. "While sales remain low during other times of the year, in winter they increase several times. I am now receiving 15-20 quilt orders daily," he added.

Jibannagar Pourashava town quilt and mattress trader Zahidul Islam said, "Since the first week of this month, we have been receiving a huge number of orders. To cope with the workload, I have hired extra artisans." 

He added, "We are trying to deliver products on time. Alongside orders, I have prepared quilts, pillows and mattresses in advance to sell as ready-made items."

He noted that wages are fixed at Taka 50 per pillow, while Taka 300-400 per quilt, and Taka 400-500 per mattress.

Artisan Mizanur Rahman said, "With rising workload, demand for artisans has also increased. I am now earning Taka 1,000 daily. As the cold intensifies, the workload will rise further, and wages will also go up."

Chuadanga town's Bara Bazar quilt and mattress trader and owner of Moushumi Bastralaya Hafizur Rahman said sales of winter clothes have also increased. "Blankets and mattresses are being sold as alternatives to quilts, but many still prefer cotton quilts. At present, large-sized cotton quilts cost between Taka 2,000 and 2,100, while mattresses are priced at Taka 1,200-1,300," he added.