A female customer is negotiating the purchase of traditional hand fans at a shop in Gaibandha. Photo: TDM
In an era dominated by electric fans, the humble hand fan had almost faded into obscurity. However, the value of traditional hand fans has soared due to unbearable power outages across the country. With the homes and businesses with hand fans. When the electricity goes out, rural communities can be seen vigorously waving their fans, desperately seeking solace. Over the past two weeks, the sale of hand fans has reached a standstill in Gaibandha, a northern district.
Kashem Mia, a trader at the Gaibandha Puraton Bazar Market, reported a surge in hand fan sales due to the scorching heat and power outages. He disclosed that he sells an average of 70 to 100 hand fans wholesale each day. His shop offers hand fans made of various materials such as yarn, rattan, cloth, bamboo, palm leaf, and plastic. In the retail market, each hand fan is priced between 80 to 120 rupees.
Zakir Hossain, an auto-rickshaw driver from the Kholahati Union of Sadar Upazila, expressed his plight, saying, "With most of the day devoid of electricity and the relentless heat, life has become unbearable." Hence, he purchased a hand fan, hoping to find temporary relief from the sweltering conditions.
Fatema Begum, a housewife from the Tin Gach Tola area of Gaibandha, shared her experience, saying, "We face daily power outages lasting for 4 to 5 hours. Consequently, our children suffer, and we are forced to rely on hand fans instead of electric fans. After some time, the repetitive motion of using the hand fan causes pain. I eagerly await the return of electricity."
Abdul Quddus, the General Manager of Gaibandha Palli Vidyut Samiti, acknowledged the situation, stating, "Our daily demand is 51 megawatts, but we are unable to fulfill it, resulting in three to four hours of load shedding in various parts of the district. We sincerely apologize to our customers for this inconvenience and hope to resolve the issue before Eid al-Adha."
TDM/SD
