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Rangpur’s shatranji industry near the end of its rope
Worn out by lack of buyers, skilled manpower and high prices of raw materials
Around 50,000 people of Rangpur are involved in the making of shatranji products such as rugs, placemats, sitting mats and carpets. Photo: Kongkon Karmaker
The shatranji industry in Rangpur is struggling to survive as demand from home and abroad for the sitting mats made by handloom has diminished amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to local traders.
Besides, the increasing price of raw materials has made it difficult for producers to continue operations, they said.
Shatranji also comes in the form of rugs, placemats and carpets.