Md. Lavlu Sheikh, Lalmonirhat.

With the advent of modernity, the traveling barber has almost disappeared.

In the past, hair and beard trimming was a common sight in rural Bengal, along with shopping at the markets. Mobile barbers would sit in the markets with wooden combs, scissors, combs, and small mirrors. With the change of time, the spread of modern salons, and changes in people's lifestyles, the nature of this profession has changed.

Many generations of barbers used to work as mobile barbers in various markets of Lalmonirhat. Their services were readily available to farmers, laborers, and low-income people for low-cost haircuts. Today, with the increase in the number of modern salons and the addition of many new generations to other professions, the scope of this market-centric profession has decreased significantly compared to before.

Local barbers Md. Mozammel Haque and Md. Rafiqul Islam said that many of their acquaintances had been involved in this profession for generations. However, many have given up work as they grew older. Most of their children are also not interested in their ancestors' profession.

Senior barber Shri Parimal Chandra Shil of Barabari Hat in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila has been involved in this profession for almost 40 years. He said, earlier the demand for work was high. Now it has decreased. Income is also not as before. The new generation is not interested in coming to this profession by sitting in the market with wooden hammers, scissors and combs.

Babul Chandra Shil has been doing this job for generations at the same market. He said, "Earlier, the market used to be crowded with people and there was work available. Now, with the rise of modern salons, work has decreased. I earn 300 to 400 taka by working all day. It is difficult to run a family with that income. If I get government sponsorship or an opportunity, I would like to work permanently with a small shop."

However, the services of mobile barbers are still available to some working-class and low-income people.
Importantly, they still use the services of barbers in the market because they have the opportunity to get their hair and beard cut at a relatively low cost.

Anisur Rahman, a customer at Barabari Hat, said, "I've become accustomed to getting my hair and beard cut this way. It feels good in a familiar environment, and the cost is relatively low."

Lalmonirhat Narasundar Samiti President Shri Dinonath Shil said that the profession has a long relationship with the social and cultural life of rural Bengal. Those who are still in this profession need to be provided with training, easy-to-use loans and employment opportunities. This will enable them to take the profession forward in a modern way.

Assistant Professor of History Department of Majida Khatun Government Women's College and cultural figure Md. Md. Shafiqur Rahman said, "The mobile barber is part of a long-standing social and economic relationship with rural life. The form of this profession has changed with the change of time, reflecting the change in rural life."

Deputy Director of Lalmonirhat District Social Services Office Md. Fazlul Haque said, the government is implementing various social security and financial assistance programs to make low-income and insolvent professionals self-reliant. There is an opportunity to bring mobile barbers under these programs as per their qualifications. If interested people contact the Upazila Social Services Office, they will be given necessary advice regarding government assistance as per their qualifications.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muh. Rashedul Haque Pradhan said that many traditional professions have faced changes due to the impact of modernity. This has also affected the case of mobile barbers. If anyone requests cooperation, the administration will consider the matter seriously.