Comilla representative: Pottery products of Bijaypur in Sadar Dakshin Upazila of Comilla symbolize the ancient heritage of Bengal. About 3,000 types of clay products made by the skilled hands of the artisans here are being exported to at least 15 countries in the world. Along with this, the demand for aesthetic terracotta ‘clay tiles’ produced there has also increased over the past century. These terracotta or ‘clay tiles’ are going across the borders of the country to different countries in the Middle East. The demand for terracotta is increasing day by day. This information was known by talking to the officials and potters of Vijaypur Rudrapal Cooperative Society, an organization of pottery entrepreneurs.
Going to the surface, it is known that terracotta or clay tiles are being made in Vijaypur in the pattern of terracotta installed inside and outside the houses of kings and kings in ancient times. The impression of the ancient tradition becomes evident in the terracotta placed on the walls of the house. Therefore, the rich and passionate industrialists-businessmen of the country and abroad use these terracotta or tiles in their luxurious houses. The demand of these terracottas made by Vijaypur is increasing day by day in Middle East countries. They send designs through various Bangladeshi companies. Terracotta is manufactured and supplied as per their requirements.
Rajesh Chakraborty, accountant of Vijaypur Rudrapal Pottery Cooperative Society, said that each tile produced is sold from 500 taka to 1500 taka depending on the design as desired by the buyers. Our designs are slightly cheaper. Rajesh also said that the pottery tradition of Vijaypur is hundreds of years old. Once upon a time, more than seven hundred families of Pala communities in seven villages, including South and North Vijaypur, Teguriapara, Gangkul, Barpara, Noapara and Durgapur, used to make meat products. Many people have gradually changed professions due to the need for quality of life and livelihood. At present, more than three hundred families of those seven villages are working in pottery. However, clay tiles or terracotta are being manufactured only in a factory run under Rudrapal Co-operative Society.
Shyamala Rani Sharma, a terracotta maker, said that every terracotta has to be made very delicately. At least 20 terracottas can be made in a day if of a particular design. Different designs take time, daily production is less. Biplab Chandra Pal, manager of Rudrapal Cooperative Society, said that in April 2012, a person came to the society’s factory to buy clay products and bought several clay products. At that time he supplied designs to the factory to make terracotta or tiles out of clay. From there the journey begins. Now buyers from different countries send designs through local companies.
He also said that to make terracotta, you have to mix loamy soil with atel soil. Terracotta making begins by placing the design in a form made of clay. After a little drying in the sun, they are burnt. Tapas Kumar Pal, president of Vijaypur Rudrapal Cooperative Society, said that the leader of the cooperative movement to protect the pottery industry. On the inspiration of Akhtar Hamid Khan, ‘Bijaipur Rudrapal Sambay Samity’ was formed on April 27, 1961. He said that the products here are being exported to various countries of the world including Japan, Australia, America, New Zealand, London, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Holland, Italy.
Sadar South Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Subhashis Ghosh said, I visited the pottery factory of Vijaypur. Its tradition is very old. There are also clay tiles (terracotta) being manufactured along with various products including clay show-pieces.
