Blacksmiths in Barishal city are experiencing a hectic work schedule preparing sacrificial tools. Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, May 23, 2026 (BSS) -With only a few days left before the Holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha, blacksmiths in the Haatkhola area of Barishal city are experiencing a hectic work schedule preparing sacrificial tools for customers.

The blacksmith neighborhood has become lively with the constant clanging of hammers on heated iron as craftsmen work tirelessly to produce cleavers, knives, machetes, axes, and other tools used for animal slaughter and meat processing during the Eid festival.

Many customers are also visiting the workshops to sharpen old knives, cleavers, and cutting tools ahead of Qurbani. 

However, local blacksmiths say they are struggling due to a shortage of coal and a sharp increase in fuel prices this year.

According to traders, a sack of coal that previously cost around Taka 1,200 is now selling between Taka 1,800 and Taka 2,100. As a result, production costs have increased significantly compared to last year.

Blacksmith Ratan Karmakar said work pressure has intensified as Eid approaches.

“We have to sit in front of the furnace all day long. Work is increasing every day, although customers usually buy more at the last moment,” he said.

Another craftsman, Ripon, expressed concern over rising expenses.

“The prices of iron and coal are increasing, but we cannot raise the prices of our products too much. If we charge more, customers go elsewhere. Even with lower profits, we have to continue working,” he said.

Salam, another worker in the area, echoed similar concerns, saying rising material costs are making it difficult for traditional blacksmiths to earn a fair profit.

Haatkhola, one of the oldest markets in Barishal city, is currently crowded with customers seeking new cutting tools or sharpening old ones for Eid preparations. 

Depending on the type of tool, sharpening services are costing customers between Taka 150 and Taka 500.

Prices of sacrificial tools in the market currently range from Taka 400 to Taka 500 for cutters, Taka 600 to Taka 1,000 for machetes depending on size, Taka 450 to Taka 550 for chopping tools, and Taka 200 to Taka 500 for skinning knives.

 Traditional cleavers are selling between Taka 400 and Taka 700 depending on iron quality, while special slaughter knives are priced between Taka 800 and Taka 3,000. Axes and boti are being sold for Taka 600 to Taka 1,100 and Taka 500 to Tk 1,200 respectively.

Customers visiting the market said they came early to avoid the expected rush and further price hikes before Eid.

Abdul Aziz Mia, who came to repair a machete for Qurbani, said prices have increased slightly compared to previous years.

“They are charging Taka 40 to Taka 50 more than before because coal prices have gone up,” he said.

Another customer, Amjat Hossain, said he completed most of his Eid preparations in advance.

“I came earlier this year because prices usually increase closer to Eid. I am arranging all the meat-cutting tools beforehand,” he added.