Bangladesh, Sept. 25 -- Ishwardi's traditional pottery industry is as changing consumer preferences, rising costs and falling demand push potters away from their ancestral profession.

Once, the pottery neighbourhoods of Arambaria, Palideha and Muladuli in Ishwardi echoed with the sound of spinning wheels. Courtyards were filled with earthen pots, pans, pitchers and clay jars drying in the sun. For hundreds of families, pottery was their main livelihood. Today, that familiar scene is gradually disappearing.

The growing use of plastic, melamine and aluminium products has reduced demand for earthenware. Many pottery homes now have unused wheels, while the once-busy neighbourhoods have become quiet.

Ishwardi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan ...