REHENNUMA TARANNUM, back from Bogura:

Bogura’s traditional ‘Jaggery bar’, locally known as ‘Kotkoti’ has now become a matter of an extra attraction for the food loving travelers especially come from different parts of the country and even abroad. Not only that, it has become a greater source of income for many people including youths in the area, though the famous Kotkoti has been containing its delicious tradition for over one and a half century.

According to the history, the journey of this sweet food produced by Jaggery or molasses along with the combination of Atta (flour) was started in the beginning of nineteenth century at Mohasthangarh area, also one of the most important archaeological sites of the country. Mohasthangarh is located on the western bank of Korotoa river in Shibganj upazila of Bogura district, which is just 13km away from the district town. It is also famous to the local and foreign tourists for a Mazar Sharif (tomb).

In the beginning of nineteenth century, a number of food producers namely Joynal Ali Mandal, Bhola Mandal and Geda Mandal of Polashbari Uttarpara village in the mentioned upazila started its business targeting few local markets. They use to produce the tasty bars with Jaggery and flour, and sell at different local markets including Mohasthangarh Mazar premises, Shibganj baza’ar and Mokamtola ha’at. Within a few time, the attractive food item draw the attention of locals as well as travelers. It gets popularity among the consumers due to different and shaking taste.

At present, a good number of shops have been established at Mohasthangarh Baza’ar and its neighboring markets in the district, where employment facility has been created for several hundreds of youths.

Nasir Uddin, a shopkeer of Mohasthangarh told The Daily Sky that, “Once, I was unemployed and have been moving from door to door of different offices and workplaces in search of job. But, I did not get any job even after I had higher academic qualification. The job providers did not pay heeds to my academic certificates except demanding bribe. Finding no way, I started Kotkoti business at Mohasthangarh Mazar area and found the ray of hope within short time due to its popularity. Now, I am self-reliant and have been leading a happy and comfortable life along with my family.”

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 shape shops of Kotkoti at Mohasthangarh Mazar area, while over 150 to 200 mounds of the dry bar-Kotkoti is sold every-day. But, the sale of this Kotkoti jumps (increases) to around 300 mounds, while seven day long annual fair is started here.”

Neelaboti, 35, who came from Nilphameri district to visit the historical archaeological site Mohasthangarh, told The Daily Sky that, “I have purchased 2 kg of Kotkoti for my family members as I heard that it is very tasty. I hope, children and other inmates of my family will like the food item.”

She further said, “Like me, many tourists were seen to purchase the food item for their family members. This is why, 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) told The Daily Sky that, “Once, traders use to sell the Kotkoti moving from village to village and different haa’ts and Baza’ars. But now, this item is sold at different decorated showrooms with multi-colours and tastes. Many producers use Ghee (butter) and several types of flavours to attract the customers. Now it has become much popular and famous among the people of country like another popular food item of Bogura’s Doi (yogurt). Many foreign travelers also praise and make appreciative comments on this product.”