Creating garments for Middle Eastern monarchs: Bogura illuminates a road to success

The town of Bogura in Bangladesh is witnessing a unique and flourishing industry – the manufacturing of bisht, a traditional garment worn by kings and rulers in the Middle East. This industry has been transforming lives and offering lucrative opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs alike.

Shafiqul Islam, a former car washer from Bogura, is a prime example of this transformation. He now crafts bisht at a local factory, earning a significantly higher income than he did in his previous job. Many individuals like Shafiqul are utilizing their skills in bisht-making as a stepping stone to higher-paying jobs in the Middle East.

The growth of this promising industry can be attributed to the establishment of three factories by the “Probash” brothers, three expatriates who set up bisht factories in Bogura Sadar’s Hapunia area. These factories serve as training grounds, equipping workers with the necessary skills to excel in this niche market.

Shariful, a worker at one of these factories, shared his success story. He transitioned from car washing to bisht-making and saw a significant increase in his income, from Tk8,000 to an average of Tk30,000 per month. Many others in the industry also find fulfillment and financial security in their newfound profession.

Raihan Ali, a former bisht maker in Saudi Arabia, established his factory, ‘Mumtaz Mahal,’ in Bogura in 2012. His factory, which currently employs 80 workers, caters to the wholesale market in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, exporting garments worth millions of taka every month.

The demand for skilled bisht workers is high, as emphasized by Raihan. His factory alone has the potential to employ workers from all over North Bengal, showcasing the industry’s growth potential. This demand extends beyond Bangladesh’s borders, with lucrative opportunities available in the Middle East.

Inspired by Raihan’s success, his brothers have also ventured into bisht-making, setting up their own factories in the area and creating a hub for this specialized craft.

The process of creating a bisht is intricate and time-consuming, with each garment taking a worker at least seven days to complete. The steps involved include cutting the fabric, designing, and adding embellishments, highlighting the craftsmanship and attention to detail required in this industry.

The bisht-making industry offers a promising career path for both men and women. Students like Abdullah Al Murad work part-time to support their studies, while others like Rihad Hossain find this profession more rewarding than traditional office jobs. The presence of women like Taslima Begum further strengthens the industry, showcasing its flexibility and ability to empower women financially.

“One major benefit of this job is that it can be done alongside household chores. Plus, the income earned can effectively support rural household expenses,” Taslima said, highlighting the positive impact of this industry on the community.

Overall, the bisht-making industry in Bogura is not only creating economic opportunities but also preserving a traditional craft and empowering individuals to reach new heights in their careers. With continued growth and innovation, this industry is set to thrive and make a lasting impact on the local community and beyond.