Unyielding craftsman
For half a century, Muhammad Janu has been preserving the fading art of stencil-making in Old Dhaka. In the past, craftsmen such as him were in high demand. However, over time, the advent of technology and the rising popularity of digitally printed banners and posters have put most of them out of business. Now, he is one of only two who cling to this craft on Nazimuddin Road, where business once boomed. Today, he earns Tk 500-Tk 800 a day, whereas even a decade ago, he would get Tk 2,000-Tk 3,000 worth of work orders per day. Despite these challenges, Muhammad Janu remains steadfast and continues with dedication. The myriad of stencils on display at his workshop is a testament to his artistic prowess. Photo: Palash Khan
Traders pack vegetables into polythene bags at Town Hall kitchen market in the capital’s Mohammadpur yesterday. Use of such bags continues unabated in the city despite a ban. The traders argue that the lack of alternatives forces them to rely on polythene bags. Photo: Prabir Das
Drivers of battery-run rickshaws demonstrate near the capital’s Jurain level crossing yesterday protesting the ban on their vehicles on city streets. The protest disrupted traffic in and around the area. Photo: collected
