Artisanal Eid Fair Flourishes at Dhanmondi Midas Centre

As the festive spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr begins to sweep across the capital, the Midas Centre in Dhanmondi has transformed into a vibrant hub for local craftsmanship. A three-day Eid Fair commenced this Thursday, showcasing the ingenuity of 56 micro-entrepreneurs from various corners of Bangladesh. The exhibition, predominantly featuring women-led enterprises, offers a sophisticated alternative to mass-produced retail, focusing instead on heritage designs and sustainable materials.

A Celebration of “Deshi” Craftsmanship

The fair was inaugurated by Parveen Mahmud, Chairman of Midas, and Managing Director M. Khairul Bashar. Speaking at the event, the organisers emphasised the importance of providing a platform for small-scale artisans to connect directly with urban consumers. The collection on display is a testament to Bangladeshi artistry, ranging from hand-loomed sarees and intricate Panjabis to eco-friendly jute home decor and locally blended perfumes.

For many shoppers, the appeal lies in the “hand-touched” quality of the products. Samapti, a homemaker from Kalabagan, shared her enthusiasm: “The fair is a treasure trove of local designs. While I noticed a slight shortage of Jamdani, the boutique collection and hand-worked fabrics are exceptional.”

Entrepreneurial Spotlights and Market Trends

Global Ambitions and Local Challenges

Among the notable exhibitors is Sharmin Sultana of Swopnil House. A former banker turned entrepreneur, she exports hand-designed coats and blazers to the UK and Australia. However, she noted significant hurdles: “International buyers, particularly in the UK, increasingly demand ‘Halal Certification’ even for textiles—a standard currently unavailable in Bangladesh. This remains a major export barrier.”

Similarly, Eliza Parveen of Liza Botox, a veteran in the boutique industry since 1997, highlighted the rising cost of raw materials. “While production costs have soared, customers still expect budget-friendly prices. Balancing quality with affordability is our greatest challenge,” she explained.

Sustainable Innovations and Scents

Environmental consciousness is a recurring theme. Ayman’s Creation showcases how bamboo, jute, and hogla leaves can be fashioned into trendy floor mats and bags. Having started with a mere 20,000 BDT during the pandemic, the brand now boasts an inventory worth over 3 lakh BDT.

The fair also features a burgeoning local perfumery scene. Brands like Morakkaj and Azan Perfume are carving a niche by blending French bases with oriental oils. Utilizing experience gained in Saudi Arabia, these entrepreneurs find immense success through pop-up stalls at private university campuses, selling over 80 varieties of scents in portable 3ml bottles.

Event Details:

Location: Midas Centre, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Duration: Thursday to Saturday.

Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Open to all).