Photo : BSS

CUMILLA, April 13, 2026 (BSS) - The traditional pottery industry of Bijoypur 
in Cumilla is struggling due to shortages of gas and clay, even as artisans 
remain busy producing items ahead of Pahela Baishakh.

At the Bijoypur Rudrapal Pottery Cooperative Society Limited in Cumilla Sadar 
(South) Upazila, potters are working intensively to prepare clay items such 
as bowls, sanki, decorative animals, birds, and traditional festival goods. 

Both men and women artisans are engaged in production from morning to 
evening.

Workers said demand for clay products rises significantly during Pahela 
Baishakh celebrations, with items such as clay fish, elephants, horses, 
banks, mugs, and yogurt bowls used widely in festivities and traditional 
foods like panta ilish.

However, artisans expressed concern that production is being hampered due to 
ongoing gas shortages and difficulties in sourcing suitable clay.

Although Bijoypur pottery products are supplied across the country and 
exported to countries including Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, and the United Arab 
Emirates, production capacity remains limited.

Potter Suman Chandra Pal said preparations for Pahela Baishakh are in full 
swing, but demand is difficult to meet due to resource constraints.

Yogurt bowl artisan Shilpi Chakraborty said she has been working at the 
cooperative for five years, earning only Taka 6,500 per month, which is 
insufficient to cover family expenses and her child's education.

"Due to increasing costs and reducing output, the artisans rely on 
traditional firing methods for their clay production. They also face a severe 
gas crisis since 2017 here," said Dwipak Chandra Pal, president of Bijoypur 
Rudrapal Pottery Cooperative Society. 

In addition, artisans said clay collection has become increasingly difficult 
due to administrative restrictions, further threatening the sustainability of 
the craft.

Cumilla Sadar (South) Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sujan Chandra Roy said steps 
are being taken to establish a modern sales center for potters, along with 
phased efforts to address gas and other infrastructural problems. 

He emphasized that pottery is an important part of national heritage and must 
be preserved.

Local stakeholders have urged urgent government intervention to ensure the 
survival of Bijoypur's centuries-old pottery tradition.