MB Report:
The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BCIC) and the Bangladesh National Museum have joined forces to host a five-day showcase and sale event titled “Jamdani Mela-2024,” dedicated to the exquisite handloom textiles of Jamdani weavers.
The fair kicked off on Sunday following an opening ceremony held at the Kabi Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Ms. Zakia Sultana, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries. Mr. Khalil Ahmad, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and Mr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum, joined as special guests. Mr. Sanjay Kumar Bhowmick (Grade-1) served as the chairperson of the program.
In her address, Ms. Sultana highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote Jamdani on the international stage. These initiatives include entrepreneur training, high-quality packaging development, export incentives, and showcasing Jamdani products at Bangladeshi missions abroad.
Praising Jamdani’s unique blend of intricate weaving techniques, bold designs, and unmatched comfort, Ms. Sultana emphasized its potential to become a global successor to the once-renowned muslin textiles of Bengal. She stressed the importance of eradicating child labor within the industry to ensure wider international acceptance. Additionally, she underscored the need to control production costs for the industry’s sustainable growth.
Mr. Khalil Ahmad, the Culture Secretary, spoke about the Ministry of Culture’s ongoing efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for more Bangladeshi cultural treasures. He revealed their determination to include Tangail sarees, another celebrated textile product, on the coveted list.
The BCIC Chairman highlighted the corporation’s longstanding commitment to supporting Jamdani, Bangladesh’s traditional textile. He elaborated on the establishment of a dedicated Jamdani Industrial City in Rupganj and securing the Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Jamdani in 2016. He expressed optimism that the “Jamdani Mela-2024” will significantly contribute to promoting and expanding the reach of Bangladeshi Jamdani.
Following the ceremony, Ms. Sultana officially inaugurated the “Jamdani Mela-2024” by cutting the ribbon at the National Museum’s Nalinikant Bhattasali Exhibition Gallery. The fair will be open for five days, concluding on April 5, 2024.
