SM sahidul Islam, Satkhira

The traditional tile industry of Kalaroa Upazila of Satkhira is disappearing day by day due to various complications, finances and various difficulties in exporting to the international market. Due to increase in cost of production and other problems, only 7 out of 41 factories in Murarikati and Sripatipur areas of the municipal area are operational. At present, the condition of about 4 thousand workers involved in this industry is dire.

Goshta Chandra Pal, President of the Tile Factory Owners Traders Cooperative Association and owner of Kalaroa Clay Tiles, said, "According to the profession of the ancients, the Pals here used to make idols out of clay. People of Pala clan of Murarikati and Sripatipur area gained fame all over the country by making this idol. Later, he brought revolution by making tiles of various designs and tiles with that soil. A few years ago, the tile industry gained so much fame that the tiles here were regularly exported to various European countries including Italy. 41 huge tile factories were built one by one. But within a few years, the traditional tile industry reached the verge of destruction due to various difficulties and lack of cooperation. Abul Hossain member, panel chairman of the Koila Union Parishad of Kalaroa Upazila said, 'Tile construction started here since 2000. Italian businessman Raffaello Aldo came to Bangladesh in 2002.

After that, he started making tiles in Narayanganj after visiting different parts of the country. As the tiles made in that area were not liked, he returned to his own country. The manager of that company, Ruhul Amin, came to Kumarpara in Kalaroa to find soil for making burnt clay tiles in different parts of the country and got the soil he wanted. Later Export Import Pvt. Ltd. owner Ruhul Amin pioneered the possibilities of Kalaroa potters' first clay tiles.

Initially, the tiles produced by five factories were exported to Italy. Many tile factories were built there one by one. Because of this, this area also became known as Italynagar. He also said, 'Within two years, the tiles produced here caught the attention of Germany, Dubai, Malaysia, South Africa, England and other countries. Tiles produced in Kalaroa are sent to various European countries through Mongla port. In return, foreign money comes to the country. Gradually, as the demand for tiles increased, the tile factories here grew. About four thousand workers are created in these factories. Until 2010, tile industry owners had auspicious days. The traders used to sell each tile at the rate of 30 to 60 taka. More than 300 crore foreign exchange was earned from this tile industry every year. Kalaroa Tile Association President Goshta Chandra Pal said, '15 thousand pieces of tile are loaded in 1 container. It also happens that more than 30 containers of tiles are shipped to Italy per month.

At present it has come down to 4 to 5 containers. He also said that every year the tile making season starts from the last week of November and lasts till the end of May. At present, due to the increase in production cost, many traders have stopped the production of tiles due to huge losses. Many local tile workers said, 'These tile workers decorate new dreams in the process of decorating one single tile. Today that dream is about to disappear. 300 to 500 taka daily wages of workers involved in this tile industry. Those related to this business said, 'The cost of production of tiles per container is more than one lakh taka. The price of which is one and a half to two lakh taka in the European market. It is possible to earn hundreds of crores of foreign exchange by exporting about 400 containers of tiles annually. But due to the unequal competition of local traders and owners, this industry is on the verge of destruction today.

Businessman Abul Hossain said, "This tile is being used in development projects and various government buildings during the current government period. But it is a sad fact that where the tiles made in the country are being exported abroad and some dishonest people of our country are importing these tiles from neighboring countries for their personal benefit. In terms of quality, the tiles produced in Kalaroa are much better than the imported Indian tiles. If the import of these tiles can be stopped, then the businessmen of the country will benefit, unemployment in this area will be removed.

This tile industry will survive as well. Chairman of Kalaroa Upazila Parishad Aminul Islam Laltu said that Kalaroa tile industry has a great reputation in many countries of the world. Thousands of people were employed in this tile industry. At one time, the government got crores of taka by exporting this tile. With the passage of time, this traditional tile industry of Kalaroa is almost on the verge of destruction. He also said, "Government support is needed to sustain this industry." If the businessmen get a low interest loan, they will be able to sustain this industry and take this industry forward. I believe that new employment opportunities will be created for many people in this area.