Benarasi weavers need proper training on modern design, patronisation
Monday, 29 October 2007
FE Report
Speakers stressed the need for providing trainings on modern design and effective means of marketing their products to the Benarasi-weaving community.
The speakers said this at the inaugural programme of a two-day workshop in the city Sunday.
Women for Women, a research study group, in cooperation with UNESCO Dhaka organised the workshop on 'strengthening skill of the weavers in techniques, design and marketing for sustainable development with a gender perspective' at a city centre.
Women for Women President Mahmuda Islam said the project was aimed at finding out the condition of the Benarasi weavers.
The importance of culture cannot be over-emphasised when it comes to sustainable development. Again, women who make half of the world's population are often under-utilised.
UNESCO Dhaka Officer-in-charge Hassan A Keynan was present on the occasion as the special guest. He said: "By strengthening skills of the weavers and enabling them to market their products efficiently, the project seeks to promote the country's indigenous art and crafts."
Textile and Jute Secretary Abdur Rashid Sarker was present as the chief guest. Bangladesh Handloom Board Chairman Abdul Hakim Mondol was also present, among others, on the occasion. They assured the weavers of the government's support.
Sarker said the government had already decided to shift the Benarasi Palli to a 40-acre land in the city's Vasantek area, where more than 900 members of the community would be provided living and working space. Unfortunately a case has kept the implementation of the project pending for years, he added.
Project Coordinator Perveen Ahmed and Project Supervisor Nilufar Banu cited various constraints including shortage of space, low income and ever-declining demand because of the huge inflow of cheaper Indian saris.
The weaver community in Mirpur is facing the greatest ever challenge. This traditional craft, which has become a part of Bangalee's cultural heritage, needs patronisation so that it survives and flourish further.
Speakers stressed the need for providing trainings on modern design and effective means of marketing their products to the Benarasi-weaving community.
The speakers said this at the inaugural programme of a two-day workshop in the city Sunday.
Women for Women, a research study group, in cooperation with UNESCO Dhaka organised the workshop on 'strengthening skill of the weavers in techniques, design and marketing for sustainable development with a gender perspective' at a city centre.
Women for Women President Mahmuda Islam said the project was aimed at finding out the condition of the Benarasi weavers.
The importance of culture cannot be over-emphasised when it comes to sustainable development. Again, women who make half of the world's population are often under-utilised.
UNESCO Dhaka Officer-in-charge Hassan A Keynan was present on the occasion as the special guest. He said: "By strengthening skills of the weavers and enabling them to market their products efficiently, the project seeks to promote the country's indigenous art and crafts."
Textile and Jute Secretary Abdur Rashid Sarker was present as the chief guest. Bangladesh Handloom Board Chairman Abdul Hakim Mondol was also present, among others, on the occasion. They assured the weavers of the government's support.
Sarker said the government had already decided to shift the Benarasi Palli to a 40-acre land in the city's Vasantek area, where more than 900 members of the community would be provided living and working space. Unfortunately a case has kept the implementation of the project pending for years, he added.
Project Coordinator Perveen Ahmed and Project Supervisor Nilufar Banu cited various constraints including shortage of space, low income and ever-declining demand because of the huge inflow of cheaper Indian saris.
The weaver community in Mirpur is facing the greatest ever challenge. This traditional craft, which has become a part of Bangalee's cultural heritage, needs patronisation so that it survives and flourish further.