PANCHAGARH : A small roadside shop in Panchagarh is quietly producing quality shoes, sandals and loafers by hand, offering customers factory-like products at comparatively affordable prices.

At the shop, located at Tetultala intersection in Barashashi Union of Boda upazila, finished footwear is displayed on one side, while leather, thread, scissors, knives and other shoemaking tools occupy the other, reports BSS.

Inside the modest outlet, skilled footwear artisan Jamal Uddin remains busy crafting leather shoes according to customers’ orders and preferences.

The quality of his handmade footwear, according to local customers, is comparable better to factory-made products. But what sets his business apart is the opportunity for customers to choose their preferred designs, sizes and specifications.

This flexibility, coupled with affordable prices and durable products, has helped Jamal earn a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the local community.

About two decades ago, Jamal worked at a shoe factory in Dhaka, where he learned the craft of shoemaking through hands-on experience. He later returned to his hometown and started his own small-scale business.

Although the physical size of his operation has changed little over the years, the number of customers has steadily increased.

Jamal Uddin told BSS that he has to bring leather and other raw materials from Dhaka. However, due to limited capital, he cannot purchase materials in bulk, restricting his production capacity despite growing demand.

“If I had more capital, I could produce shoes in larger quantities. Then I would have been able to supply not only the local market but also wholesale markets. For that, I need financial support,” he said.

Regular customer Iqbal Bahar said he initially visited the shop out of curiosity after noticing the roadside shoemaking outlet.

“I bought a pair of shoes and found them very good. Since then, I have purchased several pairs from here. Customers can have shoes made according to their personal choice, while the prices are affordable and the quality is good,” he said.

Local Union Parishad member Tara Mia said Jamal had been making shoes in the area for many years.

“His shoes are good and durable, and the prices are comparatively low. That is why there is strong demand for his products locally. If we place an order, he makes the shoes according to our requirements,” Tara Mia said.

Jewel Chandra Sen, Deputy Manager of the Panchagarh district office of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), told BSS that the organisation would provide necessary support if Jamal sought assistance to expand his business.

Despite being constrained by limited capital, Jamal continues to meet the growing local demand for his handmade footwear from his small roadside shop.

He now dreams of expanding the venture into a larger footwear business if he receives the necessary financial and institutional support.