Photo: BSS

NILPHAMARI, Aug 9, 2026 (BSS) - Once struggling to make ends meet by installing bamboo ceilings in houses, Hajimul Islam has transformed his life through perseverance and craftsmanship, emerging as a successful entrepreneur producing bamboo handicrafts for both domestic and international markets.

At his workshop in Uttor Sonakhuli Dangapara village under Saidpur upazila of Nilphamari, Hajimul now produces a wide range of aesthetically designed bamboo products. His environmentally friendly goods have crossed local market boundaries and are being exported abroad through various buyers.

His entrepreneurial journey, however, began with hardship. Working as a craftsman making bamboo ceilings for tin-shed houses, Hajimul earned only a modest income to support his family. Looking for a way to make better use of his experience in bamboo craftsmanship, he set up a small workshop at his home.

The initial days were difficult, as he faced problems in securing raw materials and finding markets for his products. But he did not give up. Gradually, promotional efforts through different channels and growing confidence among local customers helped expand his business.

Today, his workshop is bustling with activity from morning. Around 20 local men and women work there, turning ordinary bamboo into attractive household and decorative items through skilled craftsmanship and creative designs. Hajimul himself remains busy developing new designs and overseeing production.

Hajimul said his workshop currently produces around 120 types of bamboo products, including baskets, trays, table-lamp stands, soap dishes, pen holders, flower vases, tissue boxes, sofa sets, ektaras, magazine and file holders and various home-decor items.

Although some products are sold in local markets, a portion is exported abroad through different buyers.

According to Hajimul, the workshop currently employs around 20 local workers. He earns an average of Taka 30,000 to Taka 40,000 a month from sales and exports. The income has enabled him to support his family comfortably and meet the educational expenses of his three children.

For raw materials, he collects 'Bhutum' variety bamboo, which is long and thick, from Tetulia in Panchagarh district. Including transportation costs, each bamboo costs him around Taka 700.

Hajimul said the high price and uncertain supply of raw materials are among the major challenges facing his business. Lack of sufficient capital and modern machinery is also preventing him from expanding production.

He wants to transform his small workshop into a modern production centre by introducing advanced machinery and developing new designs. He also hopes to create employment opportunities for more people by expanding production.

But securing capital remains his biggest obstacle.

"If I can get loans on easy terms, it will be possible to turn this small initiative into a much larger enterprise," Hajimul said.

 "If young people across the country are trained and involved in this work, unemployment will decrease and employment opportunities will increase. Government and private-sector initiatives to promote bamboo products in international markets could turn this into a promising industry for the country."

Deputy Manager of BSCIC Nilphamari Md Nurel Haque said Hajimul's industry was now more than just a production centre-it was a living example of an entrepreneur's dream and self-reliance.

"Every weave of bamboo tells the story of his self-reliance. It also demonstrates the potential of bamboo-based industries in rural Bangladesh. Products are not the only things being made here; dreams of self-reliance are being created as well. And the reach of that dream is now crossing the country's borders," he said.

Nurel Haque said that demand for environmentally friendly products is increasing in the global market. 

As bamboo, cane and other natural materials are increasingly being used as alternatives to plastic, new opportunities are emerging for bamboo-based cottage industries in regions such as Nilphamari, he said.

To support Hajimul's initiative, BSCIC has provided him with an interest-free loan of Taka 100,000. The organisation is also providing him with overall support to help expand his enterprise.