He works with left out wood pieces, making them into impressive artworks.

Engaged in the creative work for decades, Hrang Fori Marma, 60, a man of indigenous Marma community in Zadipara area of Bandarban, has became familiar with the people visiting the hill town, a well-known tourist spot of the country.

One of his remarkable creations is representation of motherly affection -- a woman feeding her baby.

He also carved images of many notable personalities including poets Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

His creative works include sculptures of animals, birds, nature, gods and goddess that reflect artistic touch.

One of his superb creations -- a mother feeding her baby. Photo: Star

"I also carved many historical things for the Bohmong royal family of Bandarban. Through my work I would like to remind the world that we have a rich tradition in arts and crafts," said Hrang Fori.

"I am lucky enough as I got opportunity to work for 14th to 17th Bohmong chiefs Raja Maung Shwe Prue, Aung Shwe Prue, Kasine Prue Chowdhury, and U Chaw Prue of the dynasty," he recollected.

"I took to wood carving because I feel confident in it and enjoy it enormously," he said.

Quite a few important personalities including Bir Bahadur U Shwe Sing, state minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry, and a few Bohmong chiefs received Hrang Fori's artworks as gifts.

"Coming from ordinary surroundings, Fori has made a remarkable contribution to wood carving art," said U Chaw Prue Marma, 17th Bohmong chief of Bandarban.

"His work is amazing. I bought a wooden deer made by him," said a tourist coming from Comilla.

Now at an advanced age, Hrang Fori feels that artistry as a profession hardly enables one to lead a decent life with family.

"Now I have to struggle to survive with six members of my family. Although my son helps me in the work, often he expresses worry about financial insecurity if we solely depend on this profession in future," he said.

"Now there are very few people who want to engage in this profession. Patronisation from the government and affluent people is needed to preserve this rich handiwork industry," said Fori, who still maintains an indomitable spirit to go ahead with his artwork and passing down the tradition to generations.