News Flash
RANGPUR, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS) - More than 6,000 socially backward poor women in Rangpur district have changed their fortunes and become economically and socially empowered by making Satranji products.
These successful women involved in the local traditional Satranji industry have been empowered in family and social life too.
Their self-esteem and respect have increased, and their quality of life has improved noticeably in a better environment.
After establishment of the Satranji industry in Nisbetganj, known as the historic 'Satranji Village', in the outskirts of Rangpur city almost two centuries ago, it has now become a promising industry.
Local senior citizens Mahbubur Rahman, Golam Mostafa, Mozammel Haque and Aminur Rahman told BSS that Satranji industry is noteworthy among the thousands of traditions of present-day rural Bengal.
Neighboring women artisans weave various types of traditional Satranji items with charming designs, their own talent, thought and attentiveness.
Their painstaking craftsmanship expressed the beautiful artistic atmosphere of rural Bengal to catch the attention of kings and landlords of the subcontinent and outside world.
Gradually, this beautiful product began to spread. At one time, it crossed the borders of the Indian subcontinent and was exported to the outside world.
Many trained women have established their own Satranji manufacturing factories using indigenous technology with their own efforts. Some of them have become successful entrepreneurs.
Most of the locally produced Satranji products are sent to the capital Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and other regions through wholesalers and online marketing.
A small portion of Satranji products are being exported to the Middle East, Europe, America, Canada, Australia and other countries through private initiatives.
The demand for Satranji products, including carpets, wall mats, dining table mats, papos and other items, which are low-cost, durable, brightly colored, and have various artistically beautiful designs, is increasing.
A famous Satranji production and marketing factory called 'Charushi Satranji Rangpur' has been operating in Nisbetganj since 2007, where 150 female artisans and artists work now.
Satranji artisans Mahmuda Khatun, Mokseda Khatun, Afroza Begum, Mukta Begum, Rebecca Sultana, 30, Menuka Khatun, and Mamtaz Begum said that they are working there from their own homes in the locality.
Each of the artisans earns an average of Taka 10,000 every month. Having overcome poverty, they are sending their children to schools. They are now dreaming of a bright future for their children.
One of the largest Satranji manufacturing and marketing organizations named 'Satranji Palli' was established in Nisbetganj in 2004.
Currently, there are about 600 female artisans and other Satranji artists working there, along with about five and a half hundred employees.
Skilled Satranji artisans Rasheda Begum, Rahima Begum and Nasima Begum, who are working at 'Satranji Palli', said that they have become self-reliant by earning an income through work here. They have removed poverty from their families.
They are making different types of items including skillfully crafted and beautiful Satranji, table mats, papos, carpets, women's bags, fabrics etcetera. There is a beautiful showroom and sales center.
Aduri Begum, Manager of the ' Satranji Palli' showroom said that sales of Satranji items from the showroom and other outlets are satisfactory.
Despite huge demand in the international market, exports of world-class Satranji products produced here have yet to achieve satisfactory growth.
Md Ehsanul Haque, Deputy General Manager of Rangpur District BSCIC Office, said that the government has implemented two 'Satranji Industry Development Projects' to develop this potential industry.
Many local women have been trained in Satranji weaving and provided with easy-to-pay loans.
"Trained female Satranji artisans are working in locally established 20 factories and other showrooms. Many are producing Satranji and marketing their products," Haque added.
Rangpur's Shatranji, a traditional hand-woven carpet, received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition in Bangladesh on June 17, 2021.
Former Rangpur Chamber President Mostafa Sohrab Chowdhury Titu said that the Satranji industry in Rangpur has created employment for thousands of rural women and empowered them socially and economically.
He urged the government to take initiatives for sufficient export of Rangpur's Satranji products to the international market, so that this industry can further expand to create thousands of jobs for women.
