Bangladesh Heritage Crafts Foundation's First Exhibition

The Bangladesh Heritage Crafts Foundation, held a press conference on 30 September at Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave Club, followed by a two-day exhibition on 5 and 6 October at House 1B, Road 71, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212. Tootli Rahman, the founder of International Weaver's festival, and now the leader of a group of 28 women that make up the founding members, the executive board and the working committee of Bangladesh Heritage Crafts Foundation, a non-profit organisation. The team with collaborative effort take pride in their classic "Deshi Make". The non-profit organisation aims to resort, revive and boost our deeply rooted heritage and prized possessions in cottage industries and crafts of Bangladesh. They work to facilitate, help generate income and support and engage a large number of highly skilled, yet nearly extinct craftsmen all around our country.

At the press conference on 30 September, the panel of guest speakers included Tootli Rahman, wife of the Brazilian Ambassador and Honorary President of International Heritage Crafts in Bangladesh Sandra Esteves Tabajara, and Nahim Razzaq, Member of Parliament, Government of the people republic of Bangladesh.

The exhibitions on the 5th and 6th aimed to showcase our rich culture and provide a platform for other countries to showcase their own diverse culture with us. As a part of the event, the Heritage Crafts Foundation were honoured to have Ms. Rokeya Afzal Rahman, Former Adviser, Government of Bangladesh. The guests of honour were, Ambassador of Maldives H.E Aishath Shaan Sakir and Ambassador of Brazil H.E Joao Tabajarade Oliveria Junior. Well-wishing expatriates and foreign nationals extended their warm support for the foundation.

At the exhibition, the ladies of the Bangladesh Heritage Crafts Foundation displayed their Bangladeshi made items in stalls. There was pottery from Rajshahi and Dhamrai, and local mask art by Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts. Tootli Rahman displayed both her pottery and jamdani saris. Kids wear was displayed by By-Deshi Junior, led by Faria Rahman. Other handicrafts were displayed by Ask Handicraft, greeting cards by Kolporoop. One Culture showcased their rickshaw art on everyday household items. Greenfield Jutex displayed their range of jute products. From saris and other clothing items, the exhibitors were, Alankrita Bangladesh, Farzana Malik Design, J S fashion, Z&Z Collection and Chaman's. The exhibition also displayed a panel where the expats and ambassadors of different countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Brazil, and many more displayed their national heritage crafts.