BSCIC, DIU jointly launch handicrafts fair in Dhaka

The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and Daffodil International University (DIU) jointly organised a five-day handicraft fair, commencing from Friday on the ground floor of Daffodil Plaza at Sobhanbagh in the capital.

The opening ceremony of the fair was held in the morning with esteemed guests and dignitaries in attendance, said a press release.

The chief guest at the opening ceremony was BSCIC Chairman Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman presided over by Professor Dr M Lutfar Rahman, vice-chancellor of DIU, Mohammad Nuruzzaman, chief executive officer of Daffodil Family was present as the special guest.

In his address as the chief guest, BSCIC Chairman Mahbubur Rahman emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, hailing the handicraft fair as an exemplary partnership. He expressed delight in working with a leading, world-class institution like Daffodil International University, and encouraged the small, medium, and cottage industry sectors to leverage the university’s innovations and new knowledge in areas such as information technology. He assured them of BSCIC’s unwavering support in enhancing their efficiency and competitiveness in the global fourth industrial revolution.

Professor Dr M Lutfar Rahman, in his speech, highlighted Daffodil University’s commitment to practical education that goes beyond traditional classroom lectures. He underlined the significance of the nine-year-long collaboration between DIU and traditional institutions like BSCIC, as it has significantly contributed to improving the overall efficiency and capacity of the small, medium, and cottage industries.

He also mentioned DIU’s unique four-year undergraduate honours course on Entrepreneurship Development, emphasizing the university’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial skills among its students.

The opening ceremony saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Professor Dr Masum Iqbal, dean of the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship of DIU. The welcome address was delivered by Abu Taher Khan, project director of the Industrial Innovation Center of DIU.

The fair features the participation of 25 small entrepreneurs and artisans from across the country, showcasing a diverse range of products such as embroidery, jamdani, boutiques, leather handicrafts, various handicrafts, and honey. The visitors will have the opportunity to visit the fair from 10 am to 8 pm daily till June 5 and explore the craftsmanship and creativity on display.