In the hills of Cox’s Bazar, a plant known as Jhadu Phool or Ulu Phool grows naturally. Once dried and bundled, it transforms into Phool Jhadu, a traditional broom widely used for household cleaning. Initially popular in the hills, these brooms have now gained popularity in the plains as well, creating a growing market and livelihood opportunities for many.
Locals harvest the wild-growing plants from the forests and sell them to traders in local markets. Seasonal entrepreneurs then dry the stalks and bundle them into sets of 18 to 20 sticks, which are sold for 40 to 50 BDT per bundle.
Visiting Shuknachhari in Cox’s Bazar, one can see women like Achiya Begum engaged in broom-making. She carefully ties the bundles and lays them out to dry, knowing that after a few days, they will be ready for sale. “This work helps support my family,” she shares, reflecting on how this natural resource has become a source of income for many in the region.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Polash Shikdar
