The BSCIC Baishakhi Fair at Bangla Academy is bringing together young and traditional entrepreneurs, showcasing a diverse range of handcraft, heritage and sustainable products while highlighting both creativity and market challenges.

The fair organised by BSCIC is taking place from April 14 to April 20 at the Bangla Academy premises.

It showcases a variety of agricultural products, handicrafts, jute and leather goods, as well as items such as jamdani saris and shital pati.

Visitors will find an array of textiles, toys, women’s accessories, and traditional foods.

According to BSCIC, the fair features 160 stalls, with 146 allocated to entrepreneurs. These include 7 stalls for leather goods, 6 for jamdani, 4 for nakshi kantha, and 44 for textiles, 5 for shataranji, and 2 for Manipuri saris.

Additionally, 13 stalls are dedicated to supporting small ethnic communities by providing them with market access.

Among the emerging entrepreneurs is Mazedur Manik of Rongtaan, a fine arts student at Dhaka University, who has turned his passion for painting into a growing business. 

His journey began in school when he painted T-shirts, later evolving into a  professional in 2022.

Since 2022–23, Manik has been producing hand-painted saris, kameez, cushion covers and canvas art.

Each piece is uniquely designed, with customers also able to request customised work.

‘We treat every product like a canvas,’ he said, noting that his creations range in price from Tk 2,500 to Tk 20,000 depending on design and material.

Operating through an online page and home-based studio, he sources fabrics from local weavers and markets, and pursue the craft.

Sustainability is another major theme at the fair.

Fuad, representing Gazi Fashion House, is promoting bamboo-based products as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic.

Their collection includes tissue holders, trays, baskets and jewellery boxes, priced between Tk 50 and Tk 1,000.

‘Bamboo is part of our heritage, but we are gradually losing it due to modern materials like plastic,’ Fuad said.

Despite positive customer response, he identified limited market access as a key barrier. ‘The demand exists, but reaching customers remains a challenge.’

Experts at the fair also emphasised the importance of connecting small businesses to global markets.

Rafizul Haque, a senior consultant at Exports Seba, noted that while many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs produce high-quality goods, they often lack knowledge about export procedures.

‘We provide end-to-end support, from licensing and banking to buyer sourcing and supply chain connections,’ he said.

Operating since 2022, the organisation focuses on training SMEs to enter international markets, stressing that simplified licensing and improved banking support could significantly boost exports.

Innovation in sustainable craftsmanship is evident in the work of Chandra Manik, owner of Adim, a self-taught artisan who transforms natural and discarded materials into jewellery and sculptures.

Using clay, seeds and other organic elements, he creates unique handmade pieces priced between Tk 200 and Tk 8,000.

‘I collect materials from nature and give them a new form,’ he said, highlighting his commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

However, not all participants are experiencing success.

At the traditional jamdani weaver stall Ariyan Jamdani House, Shamsul Islam expressed concern over slow sales.

Representing his family business, Horian Jamdani House, he showcased saris, three-piece sets and panjabis priced up to Tk 16,000.

‘Despite our heritage and craftsmanship, sales have been disappointing,’ he said, adding that non-weavers often benefit from institutional support while genuine artisans struggle to compete.

Hill entrepreneur Nu Marma is working to bridge cultural gaps through fashion.

Founder of Pangkhung Basan Bari, she modernises traditional Marma attire such as the Thami, transforming them into contemporary designs like waistcoats and printed Endi cotton saris.

Her products range from hand fans worth Tk 200 to Tk 3,000 saris, with handcrafted waistcoats priced around Tk 2,000.

‘I want to create a cultural union where indigenous designs become part of everyday fashion,’ she said.

Traditional craftsmanship is also being preserved by artisans like Md Mukti Bakhsh, a metalworker from Old Dhaka.

Continuing a family legacy of copper-smithing, he now produces intricate brass and bronze showpieces, adapting traditional techniques to modern tastes.

Despite rising material costs and competition from plastic goods, he remains committed to sustaining the craft.

Similarly, Birendra Chandra Sutradhar, a third-generation woodworker, creates hand-carved horses, elephants and folk-art dolls using basic tools.

Once a thriving trade, his craft is now on the verge of extinction due to competition from mass-produced items.

Eco-friendly products are also gaining traction.

Mohammad Miraj Hossain of Shehris Handicraft BD creates sustainable products from jute, hogla leaves, and water hyacinth, with prices starting at Tk 50.

He advocates for more government support for eco-friendly goods.

Attendee Arif praised the fair for showcasing indigenous products and supporting local entrepreneurs, stating, ‘These fairs connect us to our roots.’

The event also features cultural programmes, puppet shows, and family activities, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.