In the heart of Rajshahi’s Saheb Bazar, the faint clinking of metal can still be heard, but not like that a decade ago.

Once common in every household, especially during weddings, religious ceremonies, and everyday use, brass and bell metal utensils are vanishing fast from the city’s markets and homes.

There were dozens of brassware shops in Rajshahi city only a decade ago but only a few are in operation now.

‘My grandfather began this business. My father took over from him. And now, I am running it,’ said Irfan Rahman, owner of Messrs Siam Metallic House at RDA Market in Rajshahi.

‘But things are not the same anymore,’ he said.

He said that there was life in this business a decade ago.

‘Now, we are merely surviving,’ he said.

Irfan’s story reflects that of a dwindling community of artisans and traders across Rajshahi.

Over fifty shops used to sell brass and bell metal items in the city and its surrounding areas. But now, fewer than five are being operated.

Several factors, such as high production costs, lack of skilled artisans, and change of consumers’ habits are responsible for the decline, traders said.

Brass, once considered a sign of elegance and durability, has been replaced by cheaper, lighter, and low-maintenance alternatives like plastic, melamine, and ceramics, they said.

‘Brass needs to be cleaned with ash or sand. Tamarind or lemon is used to make it brighter. All these take time and effort. People today want convenience,’ said Irfan.

‘And the cost is a major issue. A good-quality brass item now costs around Tk 2,650 per kilogram. That’s a lot compared to plastic,’ he explained.

At Laxmipur area in the city, veteran trader Elias Hossain recalls better days. ‘Brass utensils used to be given as gifts in wedding ceremonies. Now, people prefer modern materials. Only a few Hindu families buy them during religious events or wedding ceremonies,’ he said.

During a recent visit to Shaheb Bazaar, 32-year-old Abu Sufian was seen purchasing a brass plate.

‘My nephew’s mukhe bhaat, the first rice-feeding ceremony, has just been held. My mother insisted that we use a brass plate for him. This one costs Tk 800,’ he said.

He said that they were only using the brass plate because of tradition. ‘We don’t keep these items at home anymore,’ he said.

Sufian’s sentiment reflects a broader shift in using utensils for household use. Once brassware was part of daily life, but now it is reserved for nostalgic or ceremonial moments.

The brassware industry’s downfall is also rooted in misinformation and neglect.

Sekendar Ali, general secretary of Rajshahi Business Unity Council, said that rampant smuggling of brass items to India, lack of structured training programmes, and workers’ low wages were also responsible for this situation.

‘Most young people are not interested in this trade. Many skilled craftsmen have left the profession,’ he said.

Stating that brassware is not just about tradition, he said, ‘It is healthier, more durable, and environmentally friendlier than plastic.’

The business leader emphasised the need for government support, including subsidies, training centers, and awareness campaigns, to revive the struggling industry.

The traders also suggested that including brass artisans in small enterprise development schemes, holding craft fairs, and promoting traditional utensils as part of cultural heritage could help the industry a lot.