Zakia Sultana, senior secretary of the Ministry of Industries, said Jamdani will be recognized internationally. That is why necessary initiatives have been taken by the Ministry of Industry. Among these, training of entrepreneurs involved in this industry, production of international quality packaging, incentives in export trade, showcasing in Bangladesh missions abroad, etc. are noteworthy.
The senior secretary said these things in the speech of the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized on the occasion of the inauguration of ‘Jamdani Mela-2024’ organized by Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BCIC) and Bangladesh National Museum in a joint initiative at Kavi Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum in the capital today.
The senior secretary said that Jamdani is unmatched due to advanced weaving techniques, bold designs and unique features. Moreover, it is extremely comfortable. Once the muslin of Bengal was world famous. Now it’s time for Jamdani to be recognized worldwide as an alternative to muslin. Zakia Sultana said that Jamdani’s alternative cannot be found at present. It is also very popular with foreigners. He said that the new artisans are not very experienced in the design of Jamdani. That is why their training in this regard has been started from last March 11.
Zakia Sultana said, to make Jamdani more acceptable and appreciated internationally, child labor must be stopped in this industry. He said, if the cost of production in any industry does not rise, that industry cannot develop. He called upon the concerned to pay careful attention to this matter.
Chairman of BCIC (Grade-1) Sanjay Kumar Bhowmick spoke as special guests on the occasion, while Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Khalil Ahmad and Director General of Bangladesh National Museum Md. Kamruzzaman spoke as special guests.
In the speech of the special guest, Culture Secretary Khalil Ahmad said that Jamdani is displayed in the month-long folk craft fair held in Sonargaon every year. There the artisans demonstrated the weaving technique of making Jamdani. He said that the Ministry of Culture is working to include more cultural heritage in the list of UNESCO cultural heritage. The ministry is determined to include Tangail sarees in this list as well.
After the meeting, senior secretary of the Ministry of Industries, Zakia Sultana cut the ribbon and inaugurated the five-day (March 30 to April 03, 2024) ‘Jamdani Mela-2024’ at the National Museum’s Nalinikant Bhattasali Exhibition Gallery. Then he visited the fair.