The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organized the first-ever Bangladesh Heritage Festival 2024 at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka on February 18 to promote and celebrate the cultural and heritage treasures of Bangladesh.

Ahasanul Islam Titu, MP, State Minister, the Ministry of Commerce, attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan presided over the opening ceremony of the three-day cultural festival that takes place from February 18 to 20. 

Charles Whiteley, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Francisco de Asis Benites Salas, Ambassador of Spain in Bangladesh, renowned artists Mohammad Eunus and Gulshan Hossain attended the opening ceremony which was also joined by BGMEA Directors Asif Ashraf, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan and Neela Hosna Ara. 

Earlier on the same day, BGMEA organized a press conference where Faruque Hassan gave an overview of the Bangladesh Heritage Festival 2024, including its features and objectives.  

The festival aims to showcase and celebrate the rich cultural and historical heritage of Bangladesh like weaving industry people, Jamdani, Muslin, Khadi, Gamcha, Monipuri cloths, Pottery (Teppa dolls, Shokher Hari, Terracotta), Handicraft, Nakshi Katha, Jute products, Cane, Shitalpati, and the 6th World Heritage recognized Rickshaw Painting and many more.

The event features exclusive fashion show, cultural performances, exhibitions, art and craftsmanship that make Bangladesh unique. Throughout the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the diverse cultural heritage that Bangladesh has to offer.

A key highlight of the festival is a painting exhibition featuring renowned artists’ works on the ground floor of the BGMEA Complex, showcasing the beauty of the country’s heritage. A total of 40 stalls are participating in the festival, exhibiting local products that express the essence of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

The event also includes a mesmerizing fashion show featuring high-end garments made from Jamdani, Muslin, Khadi, and other traditional fabrics. The festival will also have Bengali folk music performances.

On the first day, renowned actress and dancer Sadia Islam Mou and her troup made dance performance at the festival. 

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Bangladesh’s cultural treasures. 

He stated, “By presenting our rich heritage and culture to the world, we can brand ourselves and create an opportunity of exporting garments linking rich culture and heritage of Bangladesh with fashion, thus contributing to economic growth. It is crucial to promote heritage products, such as Jamdani, Khadi, and various handlooms internationally.”

Faruque Hassan called upon everyone to use more local products and celebrate the country’s heritage and culture. “Let us all contribute to elevating our beloved motherland to a glorious position in the international arena from our respective positions,” he urged all.