UNB, Satkhira :
Once export-oriented, the clay-made terracotta tiles industry in Satkhira has plummeted to a dreary state of business from its past glory for various reasons, including lack of government patronisation.
Non-availability of loan on easy term, non-cooperation from the authorities in creating market abroad, want of modern machinery and increased production cost are also among the reasons to be blamed for the setback the industry is facing.
Around 50 clay-made terracotta tiles factories in Muralikati, Srirampur and Mirzapur areas in Kalaroa upazila in the district are facing closure for the above mentioned reasons.
Around 5,000 people employed in the industry are leading economic hardship for suspension of tiles production in almost all the factories in the district.
Industry insiders, including factory owners, are in apprehension of complete abolition of the industry from the district in case of government’s indifference to development of the sector which once had huge forex income possibilities. The clay-made tiles industry was first developed in Muralikati Palpara area in Kalaroa upazila of the district in 2000.
At first there were five tiles factories.
The owners of the factories had expanded their business with exporting tallies to Italy.
That is why; the area took the name, ‘Italy City’.
The products here had captured largely the markets of Italy, Dubai, Malaysia, South Africa, the Netherlands and America.
With the rise in the demand of those, clay-made tiles factories grew in the district in an increasing number day by day.
Now there are 50 factories in the district which employ 5,000 people.
Goshto Chandra Pal, president of Tally Factory Malik Babosayee Somobay Samity, said the owners of earthen tile factories earned huge profit since 2000 by supplying their products to the international markets. Clay tiles sold at Tk30-Tk60 per piece in the international market.
They earned foreign currency of Tk 300crore every year, he added.
But since after 2010, the industry began to face collapse due to discords of the factory owners and an uneven completion in the business.
Noticing downtrend of the quality of the products, foreign buyers lost interests in buying the tiles, causing a rapid fall in their prices.
Now a piece of clay tile is being sold at Tk8-Tk10 against the previous price of Tk 60.
