Winter’s Icy Grip Fuels Demand for Quilts in Northern Bangladesh
The northern district of Lalmonirhat, comprising five upazilas, is experiencing a dramatic slowdown in daily life as the biting cold of Poush tightens its relentless grip. A severe cold wave has swept across the region, transforming quilts and mattresses into essential defenses against the freezing nights and creating a surge of activity for local quilt makers.
Across haat-bazars and roadside establishments in Lalmonirhat Sadar and its surrounding areas, business is experiencing an unprecedented boom. From the first light of dawn until the deepest hours of the night, the courtyards of quilt makers are alive with the persistent rhythm of sewing machines. Artisans are diligently washing cotton, meticulously stuffing layers, and stitching with unwavering dedication to meet the soaring demand.
In recent days, characterized by continuous frigid temperatures, the need for quilts and mattresses in rural communities has multiplied several times over. Craftspeople explain that while much of the year might see periods of relative inactivity, these three winter months represent their primary earning season. The current workload has become so intense that many workshops are struggling to allocate time even for essential meals.
Beyond the creation of new quilts, a significant number of customers are bringing in their older bedding for essential repairs or for a complete refilling with fresh cotton. A closer examination of Tushbhandar Bazaar in Kaliganj upazila reveals distinct preferences dictated by economic class. Buyers with lower incomes are gravitating towards more economical quilts crafted from recycled cotton. In contrast, families with middle incomes are showing a preference for quilts made from either kapash (cotton) or shimul cotton, known for their superior warmth and quality.
However, this increased demand comes with a significant caveat: the rising prices of both cotton and fabric have inevitably led to a general increase in the cost of quilts across all categories.
Malek Mia, a customer, expressed his concerns, stating, “Compared to last year, it now costs Tk 300 to Tk 500 more to make a quilt. With prices escalating across the board, earning a livelihood has become increasingly challenging for ordinary individuals like myself.”
Veteran artisan Solaiman Ali, based in Kaliganj, highlighted the immense pressure on their craft. He noted that each craftsman is currently producing between three to four quilts daily, yet meeting the ever-growing list of delivery deadlines has become a formidable struggle.
Quilt Makers Overwhelmed by Winter Orders
“As the intensity of the cold continues to rise, the pile of outstanding orders keeps on growing,” Solaiman Ali added, underscoring the relentless pace of their work.
Trader Samad Mia provided insight into the current market economics. He explained that, depending on the quality of materials used, the cost of producing a quilt now typically ranges from Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,000. He further observed that due to the escalating price of shimul cotton, a considerable number of customers are opting for kapash cotton as a more budget-friendly alternative.
Calls for Enhanced Winter Relief
Amidst this surge in demand for winter necessities, members of the local civil society have voiced urgent calls for more robust winter relief efforts to support the impoverished and destitute populations of the region.
In response to the harsh winter spell, the Lalmonirhat district administration has already initiated the distribution of blankets, providing a measure of much-needed comfort and relief to those most vulnerable to the extreme cold.
