The Lifeline of the Haor Region
In Bangladesh’s haor region, where monsoon rains turn roads into waterways for nearly half the year, boats are more than just a means of transport—they are a lifeline. For decades, Maijbari, a village in Sadar upazila, has quietly sustained this lifeline, playing a crucial role in keeping the region connected.
Located just three to four kilometers from Sunamganj town, Maijbari is known as the district’s “boat village.” Generations of artisans have preserved the craft of wooden boat building, making it an integral part of local culture and economy.
More than 3,000 residents depend directly on the trade, producing a wide range of traditional boats such as barki, khilua, and dingi. Boatbuilding continues throughout the year, but demand peaks during the rainy season when the haor landscape transforms into a vast expanse of water.
According to local sources, around 400 small and large boats leave Maijbari every month. The annual market value of the industry is estimated at nearly Tk 22 crore, with buyers coming from Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, and other districts.
The boats serve multiple purposes—from carrying passengers across flooded villages to transporting fish, feeding fish in ponds, and navigating rivers, canals, and wetlands. Depending on their size and design, prices range from Tk 12,000 to Tk 150,000.
Yet behind this thriving business lies a difficult reality. Despite producing boats worth crores of taka every year, most craftsmen struggle to make ends meet. Rising timber prices have become one of their biggest challenges, said the boatmakers. With quality wood becoming increasingly scarce locally, artisans now have to source timber from distant districts, pushing production costs sharply higher.
Lack of capital presents another obstacle. Many craftsmen rely on advance payments from moneylenders or traders to finance production. In return, a significant portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to these financiers, leaving the builders with only a modest share despite months of labor.
“We’ve been in this business since the time of our forefathers,” said veteran boatmaker Tajud Ali. “But profits are shrinking as costs continue to rise. Somehow we’re managing to survive. We cannot abandon a tradition that has been passed down through generations. If the government provided loans on easy terms, it would help us greatly.”
Another craftsman, who has spent around 45 years building boats, said financial security has remained elusive despite a lifetime devoted to the trade. “From sunrise to sunset, we work with wood. Boat building is the only source of income for my family,” he said, expressing hope for greater government support.
The craftsmen believe the industry has significant untapped potential. They said easier access to institutional credit, modern technical training, and better marketing support could help preserve the traditional craft while improving the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on it.
M.N.M. Asif, deputy general manager of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Sunamganj, said the organization has introduced programs to support artisans involved in the boat industry. “BSCIC is providing training programs, and small loans are also available under certain conditions,” he said. “We will continue taking necessary initiatives to further develop this traditional sector.”
Challenges and Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges, the people of Maijbari remain committed to their craft. Their resilience and dedication reflect the deep cultural significance of boatbuilding in the region. However, without additional support, the future of this traditional industry remains uncertain.
The rising cost of materials, lack of capital, and limited access to financial resources continue to pose significant barriers. Yet, there is a growing recognition of the need to support these artisans. Initiatives like those from BSCIC offer a glimmer of hope, but more comprehensive and sustained efforts are required.
For the craftsmen of Maijbari, the survival of their trade is not just about economic stability—it is about preserving a heritage that has been passed down through generations. With the right support, this legacy can continue to thrive, ensuring that the boats of Maijbari keep flowing through the waters of the haor region for many more years to come.
