The blacksmiths in Chandpur are no longer so busy during the Corona period.And only a few days later the holy Eid-ul-Azha comming.Before the blacksmiths of Chandpur have been seen spending their busy time at this time of the year. But this year that busyness is no more. The smiles on their faces are gone due to Corona. But today they are spending their time lazily . The blacksmiths said that instead of reducing their debts, the scope of their debts is increasing.
Uttam Chandra Karmakar, owner of Uttam Store on Abdul Karim Patwary Road in the city, said that despite the misery of the industry due to the influence of modern machinery, the industry used to bounceback every year ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. That is why we look forward to this time every year. Because at this time there is an opportunity to pay off debts throughout the year. But this time all our hopes are boken.
In Taltola, Bishnudi, Cumilla Road, Karim Patwary Road, Ukilpara, Bakultala Road and different areas of Puran Bazar of Chandpur city, it has been seen that there is no sound of “tung-tang” day and night ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. Blacksmiths are not busy making “da, khuri, boti, chapati” and other tools. As a result, starting from the shop owner, the employees are also passing idle time.
Again, many employees have been given leave as they could not pay their salaries. The same picture has been seen in Chengarchar Bazar, Luturdi, Kalipur, Kalipur Bazar, Sujatpur and Anandabazar areas in the north.
Shankar Karmakar, owner of Shankar Store in Taltola area of Chandpur city, said, “Every year, our business would start a month and a half before Eid-ul-Adha. The staff had to be increased at this time. But this year Corona has had to reduce rather than increase staff.
In this regard, Ravi Karmakar, owner of Chandpur Karmakar Store in Ghat area, said, “We have been working as blacksmiths for generations.But due to the Corona situation, this profession is about to close.”
Correspondent: Shariful Islam, July 21,2020