From Village to Global Market: The Handmade Products Hub of Haziganj Inspires Entrepreneurial Success

By Atif Gavakhadkar --
Wednesday, 18 Oct, 2023

Haziganj village in the remote area of Gorgram union, Nilphamari sadar upazila, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, evolving into a thriving hub for handmade products crafted from recycled materials. A few visionary entrepreneurs have not only upgraded the socioeconomic status of the region but also contributed significantly to foreign currency earnings.

Entrepreneur's Journey:

Touhid Bin Abdus Salam, a graduate of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, laid the foundation for this remarkable change. In 2008, he established Classical Handmade Products BD Limited, utilizing his small savings and support from his father. Salam's vision was to provide a better living for the locals while making the most of the region's rich raw materials.

Product Development:

At his factory, Salam's team employs female workers who manually separate fibers from materials like banana leaves, date leaves, corn husks, and water hyacinths. These fibers are then blended with cotton to create a unique thread used in making various products. The factory produces 283 different items, including floor mats, baskets, carpets, lamps, apparel items, and more, using materials such as jute, garment waste, and even plastic bottles.

Expanding the Business:

Salam's entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap when, just two months after setting up his factory, he showcased floor mats made from garment waste at an exhibition in Germany. This led to a substantial work order from the German company Kik Textilien, marking the beginning of exports. To meet the growing demand, Salam initiated training programs for thousands of locals, enabling them to produce these items at home.

Market Success and Recognition:

Salam's company has gained recognition and trust from buyers worldwide. Companies such as K-Mart in Australia, Zara in Sweden, and Walmart, as well as many others, purchase their products as eco-friendly and cost-effective home decorating items. In the previous year, they exported handmade goods worth $1.11 million, with expectations of even greater success in the future.

Impact on the Community:

Salam expanded his business to establish three more units in the region, providing employment to around 5,000 workers, with 86 percent being female. Additionally, a network of backward linkage factories has developed in the surrounding villages, as locals started supplying raw materials. This growth has also led to the development of logistics companies in the area, facilitating the movement of both materials and workers. Dolly Rani, one of the worker at the factory said, “I will now provide for my children’s education, healthcare and future.

Recognition and Awards:

The company's efforts have been rewarded with 17 awards, including the President's Industrial Award, Bangabandhu Industrial Award, SME Award, HSBC Export Excellence Award, and the Diversified Jute Goods Producer award.

Future Goals and Challenges:

Salam aspires to further expand the business by establishing a stronger presence in the European market. He also considers exporting processed raw materials to countries like Sri Lanka. However, like many businesses, his company faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in losses. Additionally, inflationary pressure and foreign currency crises have posed challenges, such as importing machinery for a planned solar power system.

Women Empowerment and Inspiration:

Salam's success serves as a vivid example of women empowerment. Female workers in his factory have expressed satisfaction with their profession, emphasizing how it has improved their livelihoods. Salam's story illustrates that positive change is achievable when driven by compassion and dedication.

Collaboration and international exposure play a pivotal role in business expansion and India SME Forum recognizes this and take out select delegations (entrepreneurs) from India to different exhibitions held worldwide, under the International Co-operation (IC) Scheme. To know more about such opportunities, you may reach out to us.

From Village to Global Market: The Handmade Products Hub of Haziganj Inspires Entrepreneurial Success. Haziganj village in the remote area of Gorgram union, Nilphamari sadar upazila, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, evolving into a thriving hub for handmade products crafted from recycled materials. A few visionary entrepreneurs have not only upgraded the socioeconomic status of the region but also contributed significantly to foreign currency earnings.

Entrepreneur's Journey:

Touhid Bin Abdus Salam, a graduate of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, laid the foundation for this remarkable change. In 2008, he established Classical Handmade Products BD Limited, utilizing his small savings and support from his father. Salam's vision was to provide a better living for the locals while making the most of the region's rich raw materials.

Product Development:

At his factory, Salam's team employs female workers who manually separate fibers from materials like banana leaves, date leaves, corn husks, and water hyacinths. These fibers are then blended with cotton to create a unique thread used in making various products. The factory produces 283 different items, including floor mats, baskets, carpets, lamps, apparel items, and more, using materials such as jute, garment waste, and even plastic bottles.

Expanding the Business:

Salam's entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap when, just two months after setting up his factory, he showcased floor mats made from garment waste at an exhibition in Germany. This led to a substantial work order from the German company Kik Textilien, marking the beginning of exports. To meet the growing demand, Salam initiated training programs for thousands of locals, enabling them to produce these items at home.

Market Success and Recognition:

Salam's company has gained recognition and trust from buyers worldwide. Companies such as K-Mart in Australia, Zara in Sweden, and Walmart, as well as many others, purchase their products as eco-friendly and cost-effective home decorating items. In the previous year, they exported handmade goods worth $1.11 million, with expectations of even greater success in the future.

Impact on the Community:

Salam expanded his business to establish three more units in the region, providing employment to around 5,000 workers, with 86 percent being female. Additionally, a network of backward linkage factories has developed in the surrounding villages, as locals started supplying raw materials. This growth has also led to the development of logistics companies in the area, facilitating the movement of both materials and workers. Dolly Rani, one of the worker at the factory said, “I will now provide for my children’s education, healthcare and future.

Recognition and Awards:

The company's efforts have been rewarded with 17 awards, including the President's Industrial Award, Bangabandhu Industrial Award, SME Award, HSBC Export Excellence Award, and the Diversified Jute Goods Producer award.

Future Goals and Challenges:

Salam aspires to further expand the business by establishing a stronger presence in the European market. He also considers exporting processed raw materials to countries like Sri Lanka. However, like many businesses, his company faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in losses. Additionally, inflationary pressure and foreign currency crises have posed challenges, such as importing machinery for a planned solar power system.

Women Empowerment and Inspiration:

Salam's success serves as a vivid example of women empowerment. Female workers in his factory have expressed satisfaction with their profession, emphasizing how it has improved their livelihoods. Salam's story illustrates that positive change is achievable when driven by compassion and dedication.

Collaboration and international exposure play a pivotal role in business expansion and India SME Forum recognizes this and take out select delegations (entrepreneurs) from India to different exhibitions held worldwide, under the International Co-operation (IC) Scheme. To know more about such opportunities, you may reach out to us.