Here is an interesting tale of a simple rural woman who has conquered poverty by cricket bats. Bashanti Rani Das of Daharpara village under Kashimpur union in Jessore district was born at a poor family. Although, she does not know and understand the game of cricket and its rules and regulations, still she is well-aware of its popularity in Bangladesh. She has noticed well that cricket had gained a vast popularity at every nook and corner of the country. Bashanti has won the battle for life by manufacturing cricket bats with the financial assistance from DAM Foundation for Economic Development (DFED). She launched its production and marketing in 2000. She worked relentlessly to hand over cricket bats to the representatives of young generation. After a struggle for a decade, she emerged herself as a successful entrepreneur.
But the tale of Bashanti is a bit different from others. After marriage, Bashanti arrived at the house of her husband Arun Kumar, where poverty was a constant companion. She had to work as a domestic help at her neighbours’ houses. Arun used to work as an employee at a furniture shop. Their earning was so meager that it could not meet up the family needs. At this stage, they went to visit a relative’s house at Rupdia in Khulna. They noticed that carpenters had been making cricket bats. They came to know that making cricket bat is a profitable and promising endeavour. Following popularity of cricket, demand for cricket bats is increasing day by day. The couple learnt the art of making cricket bats at Rupdia and decided to take up the pursuit of producing cricket bats.
On return home at Daharpara, Bashanti launched her new trade. With a view to collecting capital, she discussed the issue with several members of local Shishir Mohila Unyan Samity, a group for women’s development, being run by DAM Foundation for Economic Development (DFED). They suggested her to get enlisted with the Samity. Later, she shared with a DFED official about her desire, who organisaed a 10,000 taka loan for her. Utilising the loan and adding own savings to it, the couple started making cricket bats. Earlier, she bought wood of ‘Kadam’, ‘Geoa’ and ‘Amra’ for the purpose. Then they sold the goods visiting from door-to-door and bazaars. With the sale proceeds, they somehow managed their family. Gradually, their cricket bats gained popularity. Every year, DFED increased her loan ceiling and provided loan to Bashanti who increased production of cricket bats. With the loan she bought good quality wood for manufacturing long-lasting bats. She also purchased modern equipment to make bats at ease and less time.
Like cricket, bats of Bashanti became popular with increase in their demand. December to June is the season when demand for her bats increases. Cricket lovers of Kashimpur union and adjoining 30-40 villages rush to her for cricket bats. She also sends bats to the capital by courier. At the same time, her bats are marketed to the sports clubs in Jessore town, Pabna, Natore, Khulna, Magura and other districts. But she could not supply bats as per demand due to lack of money. She has a dream to expand her business if she could collect money. In course of time, Bashanti left behind poverty long ago. At present, she is quite solvent. She is educating her children and also brining sophisticated machine for making bats. She launched her business with 10,000 taka as capital that now grew to two lakhs of taka. Bashanti’s bats are sent to the capital and various parts of the country whereas even a decade ago she had to starve and live in absolute poverty. Being motivated by her success, others also involved themselves in the trade.