The shoemakers in Patuakhali now remain busy  as their activities have increased ahead of the Holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Photo: BSS

Enamul Haque Ena

PATUAKHALI, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - The shoemakers in Patuakhali now remain busy 
as their activities have increased ahead of the Holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

"The workload in their workshops has increased several times compared to 
other times of the year as leather cutting, sewing, sole application and 
finishing work are going on a full swing from the morning till late at 
night," Nayan Rishi, 30, told BSS recently.

Nishi works at a small factory in Hachan Dalal Market under Baufal 
Municipality of the district. Son of Nagen Rishi, he has also been involved 
in the same profession for a long time, keeping up with the family tradition.
 
Nayan Rishi has been making and selling leather shoes on his own initiative 
for several years. His factory makes and sells an average of 200 to 250 pairs 
of shoes per month.

"However, when the Eid season comes, this number increases to 400 to 500 
pairs. Especially in the two weeks before Eid, the workload is the highest," 
Nayan said.

He said, "I mainly make leather slippers. I also make various types of items 
including half-shoes, nagra, gents' slippers and loafers... I buy seasoned 
leather from Bangshal in Dhaka and make shoes here. This has a good demand 
for our shoes in the local market."

Asked about its price, he said the price of the leather slippers of different 
quality and design usually sells from Taka 400 to Taka 700.

"On an average, five to six pairs of shoes are sold every day. However, we 
are expecting to sell 100 to 200 pairs every day before Eid. The pressure 
from buyers has already started increasing," he mentioned.

While visiting the Hachon Dalal Market this correspondent saw the same 
picture in other shoe shops and factories as some are cutting leather, some 
are sewing, and some are polishing and packaging the finished shoes there.

He said many have also hired additional workers for the busy Eid occasion.

Talking to the BSS, local buyers Karim, Rahim and Jasim said they feel 
comfortable buying shoes from local craftsmen as hand-made leather shoes are 
durable and comfortable with relatively affordable.
Some craftsmen said this industry will flourish if buyers' interest in local 
products increases.
 
Besides, with government sponsorship and easy credit facilities, small 
entrepreneurs will be able to increase production and more employment 
opportunities will be created.