The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to save the nearly extinct traditional handicraft known as ‘Shital Pati’ in the Jhalokati district.
| Visitor | Position | Location Visited | Date |
| Dr Ziauddin Haider | Member, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council | Kamdevpur village, Mollarhat Union, Nalchity Upazila, Jhalokati | Saturday |
Dr Haider visited Kamdevpur village on Saturday and committed to safeguarding the fine handicrafts, according to the official Facebook page of the BNP Media Cell.
For many generations, numerous families in the village have been engaged in producing the traditional ‘Shital Pati’. Once a source of pride and a pillar of the local economy, this fine handicraft is now facing extinction due to poverty, market access difficulties, and prolonged government neglect.
| Traditional Craft | Challenges Faced | Historical Importance |
| ‘Shital Pati’ handwoven mats | Poverty and lack of economic incentives | Previously a vital part of the region’s economy |
| Made by generations of artisans | Difficulty accessing markets | Passed down through local families |
| Industry now near extinction | Long-standing government neglect |
During his visit, Dr Haider held discussions with local artisans, hearing their concerns and aspirations.
He acknowledged the exceptional skills of the artisans but lamented that their products have suffered due to inadequate support and poor market access. He criticised the previous autocratic government for failing to provide economic incentives or technical assistance to foster the industry’s growth.
| Artisans’ Concerns | Dr Haider’s Remarks |
| Lack of economic and technical support | “The artisans have immense skills but have been let down by lack of backing.” |
| Market inaccessibility | “Neglect by the former government has harmed the industry.” |
| Fear of extinction of craft | “BNP will ensure full patronage to save this traditional craft.” |
Dr Haider declared, “Under the leadership of the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, BNP is committed to reversing this situation. We will provide all necessary support to save the traditional ‘Shital Pati’ handicrafts that are on the brink of extinction.”
