Nasir Uddin, once a rural jobless person who completed graduation and tried to get a job, is now owner of a Kotkoti shop at Mohasthangarh in Bogura district and is able to maintain his family expenditure properly.
Bogura's traditional 'Jaggery bar', locally known as 'Kotkoti', has become a greater source of income for many people like him including youths in the area. It has its own tradition spanning over one and a half century.
Nasir, who resides at Mohasthangarh and also runs his shop here, said, "Once, I was unemployed and had been moving from one office to another and visiting workplaces in search of job. But, I did not get any job even after I had higher academic qualification. Finding no other way, I started Kotkoti business in Mahasthangarh's Mazar area and found the ray of hope within a short time due to its popularity".
He further said, "Now, I am self-reliant and is leading a happy and comfortable life in my family."
Like him many other young, unemployed and educated people are joining the business. It has become a good source of employment for them.
Rahim Mia, another trader, said, "A kg of Kotkoti is sold between Tk 120 and Tk 200 on the basis of its quality and taste. There are about 150 small and big shops of Kotkoti in Mohasthangarh Mazar area, while over 150 to 200 maunds of dry bar-Kotkoti are sold every-day. But, sales of this Kotkoti jump to around 300 maunds a day when the seven-day annual fair starts here."
The journey of the sweet food produced from Jaggery or molasses along with the combination of flour began in the early 19th century at Mahasthangarh area, one of the most important archaeological sites of the country.
In the beginning of 19th century, a number of food producers including Joynal Ali Mandal, Bhola Mandal and Geda Mandal of Polashbari Uttarpara village here started the business targeting few local markets. They used to produce the tasty bars with molasses and flour, and sell at different local markets, including Mahasthangarh Mazar premises, Shibganj Bazar and Mokamtola Hat.
At present, a good number of shops have been established at Mahasthangarh Bazar and its neighbouring markets in the district, where employment facility has been created for several hundred youths.
It has now become a matter of an extra attraction for the food-loving travellers, especially from different parts of the country. The attractive food item draws the attention of locals as well. It gets popularity among the consumers due to its mouth-watering taste.
Neelaboti, 35, who came from Nilphamari district to visit the historical archaeological site Mahasthangarh, said, "I have purchased two kg of Kotkoti as I have heard that it is very tasty. I hope children and other inmates of my family will like the food item."
Like her, many other tourists were seen purchasing the food item for their family members. This attests to how it has become a source of brisk business for the traders in the area.
Md. Masudur Rahman Milon, President of Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), said, "Once, traders used to sell Kotkoti moving from one village to another and different local markets".
"But now, this item is sold in different decorated showrooms in varied colours and tastes. Many producers use Ghee (butter) and several types of flavour to attract the customers", he added.
He further said, "Now it has become much popular and famous among the people of the country like Bogura's Doi (yogurt), another popular food item of the district."
