Bangladesh Textile Heritage

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh High Commission unveils first-ever Jamdani exposition in Delhi​

Conceptualised by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah, the exposition, according to him, was born from a serendipitous moment​

Photo: Courtesy

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Friday (19 September) inaugurated the first-ever 'Jamdani Exposition' at the National Crafts Museum, offering Indian audiences an exclusive glimpse into the intricate artistry of Bangladesh's most celebrated weave.

Conceptualised by Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah, the exposition, according to him, was born from a serendipitous moment, reads a press release.

"During our Independence Day anniversary celebrations this year, we displayed a few Jamdanis. The overwhelming response inspired us to take it a step further," he said. "Through this exhibition, we hope more people discover the timeless beauty of Jamdani."

Photo: Courtesy

Curated by renowned Indian craft and textile revivalist Chandrashekhar Bheda, the showcase brings together some of the finest Jamdanis woven by Bangladesh's master artisans, including two rare 150-year-old pieces.

"Jamdani cannot be replicated by machine," Bheda noted at the inauguration. "Its sheer transparency and delicacy are like weaving magic that floats in the air."

Adding conceptual depth to the exposition, co-curator Chandrashekhar Saha, a pioneering force in Bangladesh's craft revival and a former design leader at Aarong, underlined the fabric's lineage: "Once, Bengal's Muslin reigned supreme. Jamdani stands on that same pedestal–an art you must see and feel to understand. Let us hope its legacy endures."

The inauguration also drew voices from India's design and cultural fraternity. Padma Shri award-winning designer Sunita Kohli evoked Jamdani's storied past, once described as "woven air."

Photo: Courtesy

"Emperors coveted it, traders carried it across seas, and poets struggled to capture its fineness. UNESCO calls it intangible cultural heritage–I call it intangible luxury, measured not by price, but by patience, time, and the human hand."

Celebrated filmmaker and designer Muzaffar Ali added a cinematic note, calling Jamdani "a true delight of light and texture, a beauty that can unite nations through a shared appreciation of craft."

Two national award-winning Jamdani weavers, Mohammad Jamal Hossain and Mohammad Sajeeb–each with over two decades of experience–have been flown in from Bangladesh to demonstrate live the intricate process of weaving Jamdani at the exposition.

The inauguration ceremony drew an eclectic gathering of distinguished guests, including envoys from dozens of countries, alongside artists, filmmakers, and textile connoisseurs.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors daily until September 23, said the high commission.

 

[Bilal9]

Aarong unveils world's largest craft store in Dhanmondi​

• UNB News
• Dhaka
• Publish- March 07, 2025, 02:33 PM
• UNB NEWS

Aarong, Bangladesh’s fashion and lifestyle brand, announced the grand opening of its newest flagship outlet in Dhanmondi—the world’s largest craft store.

Spread across an awe-inspiring 60,000 square feet and encompassing eight spacious floors, this stunning architectural masterpiece is set to transform the nation’s retail landscape and cement Bangladesh’s standing as a global hub for artisanal excellence, according to a press release on Friday.

The press release claimed that the Dhanmondi flagship outlet is more than just a store; it’s a statement of magnificence and creativity.

The building’s distinctive façade and meticulously crafted interior speak to Aarong’s unwavering commitment to uplifting local artistry.

As guests journey through each floor, they will be treated to a series of monumental art installations, including

A 4-Storey Nakshi Kantha: Towering at the heart of the store, this spectacular piece showcases the intricate embroidery tradition of Bangladesh, telling the story of Aarong.

Clay Pottery Wall: A tactile tapestry of handcrafted clay pieces that showcases age-old pottery practices as a contemporary art piece, symbolising Aarong’s innovative spirit.

Alchemy: Made from copper and repurposed glass, this luminous centrepiece cascades from above, casting a warm, enchanting glow throughout the space.

From the widest selection of handcrafted textiles to exclusive artisanal décor, the store promises a truly world-class experience.

The children’s wear section, in particular, features a magical, forest-themed playpen—an interactive wonderland that will captivate young imaginations while allowing parents to browse in comfort.

At the pinnacle of this unprecedented retail adventure lies the Orange Parrot restaurant on the 7th floor, which will open by the end of the year.

Serving mouthwatering Bangladeshi fusion cuisine, this unique dining destination will offer an unmatched culinary journey complete with sweeping views of Dhanmondi from its serene terrace.

“This groundbreaking destination store is a proud testament to Bangladesh moving boldly into the future,” said Tamara Abed, Managing Director, BRAC Enterprises.

“It embodies our mission to preserve and celebrate Bangladesh’s rich artisanal heritage while delivering a world-class shopping experience. Every product tells a story, connecting our customers to the hands that create them. This store marks a new era for Aarong and highlights this brand’s ambitions for the global stage.”