Artisans and handcrafted products

Why deshi products deserve a spot on your Eid shopping list

Homegrown things of our local craftsmen, along with adding aesthetics to our lives, bring a piece of our own heritage into our homes and wardrobes that resonates with our identity and culture in a way that feels perfect.

#Perspective / Tangail handloom weavers earn only Tk 200 daily! Will the industry survive?

Tangail’s handloom weaving industry faces collapse due to rising costs, competition from cheaper power loom sarees, and declining demand. Without financial aid, innovation, and promotion, this centuries-old craft risks fading into history.

#Arts & Crafts / Artisans shine bright at Dhaka Makers 3

Dhaka Makers 3 showcased Bangladesh’s thriving creative ecosystem, blending tradition with innovation. Featuring artisans, sustainable crafts, live workshops, and music performances, the festival celebrated craftsmanship while fostering cultural exchange, economic opportunities, and interactive artistic experiences in Dhaka’s growing arts scene.

#Perspective / Saving an ancient craft in the age of plastic decor – Are we ready to go green with shola?

Shola, a delicate, eco-friendly material crafted from the Aeschynomene aspera plant, is vital to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. Artisans face challenges from shrinking wetlands and limited local demand, yet newer generations strive to preserve this traditional art.

From earth to elegance: The allure of artisanal terracotta

A charcoal black druid’s bowl with a rough and aged look, caught my attention while surfing social media. Initially, I thought it must be an antique piece of medieval pottery up for sale on some transcontinental site, but instead, I found it to be a local product from the brand Boho Bangladesh, promoting a sustainable natural lifestyle; it blew my mind.

#Crafts / Turning leaves into livelihoods: The story of Mohammad Abdul and his haat pakhas

Hailing from Kushtia, Mohammad Abdul has been making and selling haat pakhas for more than two decades now. Like Abdul, many people used to earn their livelihoods by making such pakhas – a tradition declining with time.

#Perspective / Traditions treasured, artisans in shadows: Is UNESCO's recognition truly benefiting local craftspeople?

On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?

March 16, 2025
March 16, 2025

Why deshi products deserve a spot on your Eid shopping list

Homegrown things of our local craftsmen, along with adding aesthetics to our lives, bring a piece of our own heritage into our homes and wardrobes that resonates with our identity and culture in a way that feels perfect.

February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025

Tangail handloom weavers earn only Tk 200 daily! Will the industry survive?

Tangail’s handloom weaving industry faces collapse due to rising costs, competition from cheaper power loom sarees, and declining demand. Without financial aid, innovation, and promotion, this centuries-old craft risks fading into history.

February 8, 2025
February 8, 2025

Artisans shine bright at Dhaka Makers 3

Dhaka Makers 3 showcased Bangladesh’s thriving creative ecosystem, blending tradition with innovation. Featuring artisans, sustainable crafts, live workshops, and music performances, the festival celebrated craftsmanship while fostering cultural exchange, economic opportunities, and interactive artistic experiences in Dhaka’s growing arts scene.

November 3, 2024
November 3, 2024

Saving an ancient craft in the age of plastic decor – Are we ready to go green with shola?

Shola, a delicate, eco-friendly material crafted from the Aeschynomene aspera plant, is vital to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. Artisans face challenges from shrinking wetlands and limited local demand, yet newer generations strive to preserve this traditional art.

October 5, 2024
October 5, 2024

From earth to elegance: The allure of artisanal terracotta

A charcoal black druid’s bowl with a rough and aged look, caught my attention while surfing social media. Initially, I thought it must be an antique piece of medieval pottery up for sale on some transcontinental site, but instead, I found it to be a local product from the brand Boho Bangladesh, promoting a sustainable natural lifestyle; it blew my mind.

June 30, 2024
June 30, 2024

Turning leaves into livelihoods: The story of Mohammad Abdul and his haat pakhas

Hailing from Kushtia, Mohammad Abdul has been making and selling haat pakhas for more than two decades now. Like Abdul, many people used to earn their livelihoods by making such pakhas – a tradition declining with time.

April 18, 2024
April 18, 2024

Traditions treasured, artisans in shadows: Is UNESCO's recognition truly benefiting local craftspeople?

On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?