At pageants, the spotlight often shines on glamour and charisma. However, this year, Mr World Bangladesh 2024, B Proshad Das, and designer Tasmit Afiyat Arny, elevated the platform with a meaningful tribute to an unsung segment of Bangladesh's population through a costume, titled "Tribute to Remittance Warrior."
Migrant workers, often referred to as remittance warriors, make up a significant portion of Bangladesh's workforce. Designer Tasmit Afiyat Arny paid homage to these individuals through her work. She said, "This costume is a dedication to these unspoken warriors who are always standing in front of the challenges and handling them alone."
Standing at an impressive 22 feet in height and 10 feet in width, the costume is a striking visual narrative that incorporates elements representing the struggles and contributions of migrant workers.
The cape serves as the focal point of the costume. "Like every great hero, here is their cape," explained Arny. It symbolises the warmth, protection, and hope that these workers carry for their families back home.
The bold red arrow is a multi-dimensional symbol. It represents the planes that carry these workers to foreign lands and their role in driving Bangladesh's GDP growth.
"The red arrow holds the story of the July revolution, the quota movement, and the natural disasters like floods that these workers helped us overcome," said Arny. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Bangladeshis over decades, including during the country's independence movement.
The green, waving elements on the costume symbolise the natural waters that sustain Bangladesh. They also represent the oceans migrant workers cross to secure their livelihoods. "Without them, we are diminished, but with them, we can rise ever higher," Arny noted.
The T-shirt features portraits of the martyrs from the July Quota Reform Movement. And the semi-polyester jacket, double-layered burn gloves, and plastic yellow helmet reflect the tools of the trade for many migrant workers. Whether on construction sites or in factories, these items symbolise the labour-intensive roles that are the backbone of Bangladesh's economy.
The bearer of this impressive costume, B Proshad Das, remarked, "The 'Tribute to Remittance Warrior' costume at Mister World 2024 wasn't just about showcasing a design — it was about telling a story. It was a moment to bring attention to the unsung heroes whose contributions often remain in the shadows."
Through this powerful costume, Tasmit Afiyat Arny and B Proshad Das have set an example of how cultural representation can highlight national issues on a global stage. Their tribute to remittance workers reminds us of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families.
Presently, Mister World 2024, the 11th edition of the international male beauty pageant, is being held in Vietnam. The competition commenced on November 5, 2024, with the grand finale scheduled for 23 November, 2024, at NovaWorld Phan Thiết in Bình Thuận province.
Photo: Courtesy
Costume and Concept: Tasmit Afiyat Arny
Model: B Proshad Das
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