It all becomes more relevant considering the worldwide hullabaloo centring climate change and ensuring sustainable environments.
Take the case of elephant grass, or hogla pata as is called in Bangla. With a low requirement for water and nutrients, it can be harvested a couple of times a year and stored year round on being baked under the sun.
The grass can be woven into elegant yet strong handicraft items such as baskets, ropes, hats and even into roofing and fencing.
It is the most common raw material used by handicraft artisans in Barishal, although the output is mostly limited to mats, thanks to huge surges in demand during the sacrifice of animals on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.