A vibrant handloom fair showcasing Bangladesh’s rich weaving heritage began in the capital on Saturday (March 8), bringing together traditional artisans, entrepreneurs and textile enthusiasts under one roof.
Organized by the Bangladesh Handloom Board under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, the fair aims to promote locally produced handloom products, support rural weavers and expand market access for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The week-long event is being held at the Bengal Foundation in Dhaka, featuring a wide range of products including Jamdani, Tangail sarees, muslin-inspired fabrics, nakshi kantha, lungi, and diversified home-textile items. More than 100 stalls have been set up by handloom entrepreneurs and cooperative societies from different districts across the country.
Officials said the fair is designed to create direct linkage between producers and consumers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for weavers. Special arrangements have also been made for live demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques to attract younger generations and foreign visitors.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, senior officials of the Bangladesh Handloom Board emphasized the importance of preserving the country’s centuries-old handloom tradition while adapting to modern design and sustainability trends. They noted that the handloom sector plays a vital role in rural employment, particularly for women, and contributes significantly to the domestic textile value chain.
In addition to product displays and sales, the fair will host seminars and discussions on innovation, branding, export potential and digital marketing strategies for handloom products.
Industry insiders believe such initiatives are crucial at a time when the country’s broader textile and apparel sector is navigating global demand challenges. Strengthening the handloom segment could help diversify Bangladesh’s textile portfolio beyond mass-scale readymade garments.
The fair will remain open to visitors every day from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm until March 14. Organizers expect a strong turnout from buyers, designers and representatives of retail brands seeking authentic, sustainable and heritage-based textile products.
