The popular “Shakhari Bazaar” (Conch market) of old Dhaka is facing extinction. For generations, many Hindu families have been earning their livelihood by making and selling conch products. These people are facing numerous problems as conch products are losing popularity.
The conch products are mainly used by the Hindu people. Conch bangles are worn by Hindu woman after they get married, conch horns and other products are used in various religious rituals. The shrinking of Hindu community and cheaper products have become major threats for this hundred year old industry and the people related to it. BBC reports:
But things are now changing and the fate of these buildings and the way of life of the people who live and work in them is uncertain.
Mr Sur explained that while Bangladesh's Hindu population is still large - estimated at about 12 million people - its numbers are dwindling and many now prefer to buy cheaper, synthetic bangles which are made in India.
Unless Muslims can be persuaded to buy the bangles as well, Mr Sur warns, his industry is "facing death".
"The next generation is losing all hope in it," he said.
The cost of maintaining their historic homes is also increasing, and the owners face a huge incentive to sell to developers, who pull them down and build low-cost apartment blocks instead.
A century ago Dhaka was a town of 200,000 people. It is now the home to 15 million and every day that figure increases.
"The population is going up, but our houses are not. Most of them are falling to bits and we can't afford to repair them," Mr Sur said.
Conch shell jewellery is much sought after
"We want to stay here and keep our traditions alive, but we need help."
They get none from the government, which also fails to enforce restrictions on the size and construction methods of new buildings.
This is sad news for me and for the people of Bangladesh. Old Dhaka city is one of my most favorite places in Dhaka. It is a place where you will see the true traditions of Dhaka city. The old houses of Hindu landlords, temples, buildings of Mughal period and colonial period can be found here. “Shakhari Potti” or “Conch Street” is one such area. Hundreds of Hindu conch shell craftsmen create beautiful bangles, conch shell horns and other products that are used in different religious rituals. It is such a place that if preserved properly, it can become a great tourist attraction.
I have been living in Dhaka city for eight years. I visited the old Dhaka city three/four times. During one of my visits, I went to the conch street and saw the craftsmen and their works. The products are of good quality and they are cheap. If proper steps are taken, then these products could be exported to foreign countries. I hope that government and various private organizations come forward to save the industry that has remained a part of Bangladeshi culture and tradition.
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