Day: December 7, 2025
Gallery Plat-forms Hosts ‘Beyond the Veil’
Gallery Plat-forms is hosting ‘Beyond the Veil’ – 3rd solo exhibition by M F I Mazumder Shakil. In this exhibition, the artist presents the ancient medium of woodcut in a fresh, contemporary artistic form. A total of 24 woodcut prints are on display which includes 8 large-scale works. The exhibition began on November 9 and has now been extended until December 13, with visiting hours from 11 am to 8pm. As noted by Gallery Plat-forms, in ‘Beyond the Veil’, Shakil revives the long-format woodcut to explore a world both intimate and exclusive. Through sweeping panels in amber, midnight blue, and stark monochrome, a woman emerges through fabric, fold and shadow. The veil becomes a threshold rather than concealment, inviting us to see without seeing. Each cut and layer conjures the textures of cloth and memory, secrecy and freedom. Part portrait, part landscape of the unseen. Beyond the veil transcends identity to question how we perceive, what lies hidden. Rooted in tradition yet distinctly contemporary. Shakil’s work reimagines the politics of visibility and expands the language of global printmaking. “My work is primarily in printmaking – specifically woodcut. I begin by drawing on plywood or any other board, then carve the block using woodcut tools based on the distribution of light and shadow. After that, I apply ink to the block with a roller through various processes, and finally transfer the print onto paper. Depending on the size, completing a single piece can take several months,” explains Shakil. “I have participated in various exhibitions, art camps, and art fairs both in Bangladesh and abroad. In the future, I plan to organize solo exhibitions outside the country as well. In recent times, young artists in Bangladesh have been tirelessly pursuing creative practice, and their works have already received significant recognition on the international stage. However, the overall acceptance of fine arts within the country has yet to reach the desired level. I remain hopeful that with proper patronage and support, our artists will be able to present Bangladesh’s artistic heritage to the world with even greater distinction,” the artist further adds. Mohammed Fakhrul Islam Mazumder, a Bangladeshi artist born in Comilla in 1989. He completed his M.F.A and B.F.A in Printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University in 2016 and in 2014. Mazumder has held two solo exhibitions— “Obscure Beauty” (GalleryChitrak, 2023) and “The Odyssey of the Soul” (Zainul Gallery, 2018). His art has been showcased widely across Asia,Europe, and Australia, including major exhibitions in Japan, China, Thailand, Korea, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. He has received numerous national and international awards such as the 26th Berger Young Painters’ Award (2022), Excellent Works Award, COP15 Global Art & Design Competition, China (2022), 2nd International Print Biennale Award, India (2021), and the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Award (2019). Mazumder’s works are part of collections at the China Printmaking Museum, Ino-cho Paper Museum (Japan), Bengal Foundation, and Lalit Kala Academy (India). He has also participated in several artist residencies, including the Chitrashala International Artist Residency in India and Kali Artist Residency at Cosmos Atelier 71, Bangladesh. Currently, Mazumder continues to experiment with layers of print, texture, and form to reflect the subtle interplay between the visible and the unseen. Through this exhibition, Shakil opens a new doorway not only to beauty but also to perception. His works, imprinted with the labor of hand-carved marks on solid wood surfaces, unfold into a poetry of light and shadow. This exhibition is part of Gallery Plat-forms’ commitment to presenting Bangladeshi artists who bring together heritage and contemporaneity, offering them anew to the global stage. Written by Tasmiah Chowdhury Photo Credits Sarmin Akter lina Gallery plat-Forms
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National SME Product Fair begins today
The curtain rises today on the 12th National SME Product Fair, a flagship exhibition spotlighting the rapid expansion of Bangladesh’s small and medium enterprise sector. The event, organised by the SME Foundation, has become a cornerstone of the country’s entrepreneurial calendar, offering a platform where innovation, tradition, and business ambition converge. The SME Foundation, which is steering the initiative, underscored its ambitions to widen market reach, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial base. Officials emphasise that the fair is not merely a showcase of products but a comprehensive programme designed to connect entrepreneurs with consumers, investors, and policymakers, thereby strengthening the ecosystem that sustains small and medium enterprises. The eight-day programme is being staged at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, drawing participants from across the nation’s diverse business landscape. Organisers expect a vibrant atmosphere, with stalls and exhibitions reflecting the creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs from every corner of the country. More than 350 small and medium enterprises are set to participate in this year’s exhibition, with women-led ventures accounting for roughly 60 percent of the total. This strong representation highlights the growing role of women in Bangladesh’s SME sector, a trend that has been steadily gaining momentum over the past decade. The stalls will represent a broad spectrum of industries, ranging from garments and traditional crafts to leather goods, agro-based processing, ICT solutions, light engineering, and herbal commodities. Such diversity underscores the sector’s contribution to industrial diversification and inclusive growth. Financial inclusion is another key focus of the fair. The organisers said the event has been designed to advance access to finance, with daily sessions pairing entrepreneurs and bankers. Close to 30 banks and financial institutions will be present to advise business owners on securing SME credit facilities. In certain cases, loan applications may even be processed directly at the venue, offering entrepreneurs immediate opportunities to expand their businesses. Knowledge exchange will also be a central feature, with six specialised seminars scheduled between December 8 and 10. Discussions will address export diversification, innovation strategies, halal certification standards, intellectual property protection, blended financing models, and the development of a skilled workforce. Organisers say these sessions are intended to equip entrepreneurs with regulatory, technical, and financial insights essential for long-term growth. Officials emphasise that the initiative is designed not only to showcase domestic products but also to equip SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and financing opportunities needed to scale up in a competitive environment—both locally and internationally. “Many SME entrepreneurs face challenges in marketing their products despite high-quality production. This fair serves as a platform to bridge that gap,” said Md Musfiqur Rahman, chairperson of the SME Foundation. A key highlight of the fair will be the presentation of the National SME Entrepreneur Awards 2025, recognising six outstanding entrepreneurs in the micro, small, medium, and startup categories. These awards are intended to celebrate excellence, inspire others, and highlight the transformative potential of SMEs in Bangladesh’s economy. Since its inception in 2012, the SME Foundation has organised 11 national and 93 regional fairs, supporting over 5,000 entrepreneurs. According to the foundation, past fairs have generated Tk 57 crore in direct sales and Tk 93 crore in product orders, demonstrating the tangible economic impact of such initiatives. The event’s chief patron is The City Bank, with other sponsors including BRAC Bank, Eastern Bank, Bank Asia, IDLC Finance, LankaBangla Finance, United Finance, and IPDC Finance. Their involvement reflects the growing interest of financial institutions in supporting SMEs, which are widely recognised as engines of job creation and innovation. Only locally produced goods will be allowed for display and sale, with no foreign or imported items permitted. This policy ensures that the fair remains a platform dedicated to promoting domestic industries and encouraging consumers to support homegrown businesses. By combining exhibition, financial support, training, and policy dialogue, the fair continues to position itself as a key national initiative to elevate Bangladesh’s SME ecosystem—a sector seen as crucial for job creation, inclusive growth, and industrial diversification. The fair will remain open to visitors until December 14, from 10 am to 9 pm daily—with no entry fee. Written By Nibir Ayaan
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Bangladesh: Asia’s Next Trade Powerhouse
Bangladesh is quietly rewriting its economic story. Once known primarily for its ready-made garments, the country is now emerging as a diversified trade hub in Asia. Its export basket is expanding—and so is its global relevance. Earnings from exports have always been the nation’s driving force, and the last fiscal year was no different. Apparels played a dominant role, earning $48 billion, while other sectors also expanded their global reach. “Bangladesh’s export basket did not widen overnight—it was hard-won,” said Moynul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA). “And now Bangladesh is home to a vibrant young population—more active and intelligent than their predecessors,” said Islam, who also serves as vice chairman of Monno Group. “From ceramics to garments, pharmaceuticals to electronics, this generational shift is redefining the business landscape and accelerating new export frontiers, positioning Bangladesh as one of Asia’s most promising investment and trade destinations,” he added. RMG : The Backbone of Bangladesh’s Trade Garments remain Bangladesh’s strongest export pillar, contributing over $39 billion in FY2024-25 knitwear and woven categories combined. Knitwear alone earned $21.1 billion, while woven garments brought in $18.1 billion, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The sector’s strength lies in its scale and adaptability. Bangladesh retained its position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter in 2024, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Exports to non-traditional markets are rising, and shipments to the USA grew by 29 percent between January and April 2025. Yet, the industry faces headwinds. Rising production costs, energy inefficiencies, and compliance pressures are squeezing margins. Extortion in industrial belts and loan defaults among top exporters have also raised concerns, as noted by Bangladesh Bank. To stay competitive, the sector is embracing green manufacturing and automation. Over 260 factories are now LEED-certified, and green factories enjoy tax incentives and higher buyer preference. With continued investment in sustainability and worker welfare, RMG is poised to remain Bangladesh’s trade anchor. Home Textile: The Quiet Climber Once a niche category, home textiles have become Bangladesh’s second-largest textile export segment. The sector continued growing despite global challenges, earning $871 million in the last fiscal year. The rise of wellness living and interior-focused consumption has boosted demand for bed linens, curtains, and towels. Bangladesh’s manufacturers are responding with eco-friendly fabrics and design-led collections. However, the sector remains vulnerable to tariff uncertainties, especially in the US market. To mitigate this, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) recommends diversifying export destinations and investing in design innovation. With stable growth and rising global demand for sustainable home goods, Bangladesh’s home textile sector is quietly climbing the ranks. Leather and Leathergoods: A Legacy in Transition Bangladesh’s leather sector has shown resilient performance, earning over $1 billion annually since FY2018-19. Once hailed as the country’s second-largest export earner, the sector has struggled with environmental compliance and infrastructure bottlenecks. Shipments of leather and leathergoods have slowed due to delays in setting up the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Savar, said Arifur Rahman Chowdhury, general manager of ABC Footwear Industries Ltd, a concern of Abedin Group. “Without the CETP, many tanneries fail to meet global environmental standards, particularly the Leather Working Group (LWG) certification required by most European buyers,” he noted. Chowdhury added that the CETP’s completion would resolve nearly 80% of the sector’s challenges. Still, there is hope. According to the Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), 80 percent of exports go to just 10 countries—highlighting the potential for market expansion. With renewed focus on compliance and branding, leather could reclaim its place as a premium export. Frozen and Live Fish: The Blue Economy Awakens Bangladesh’s quiet revolution in aquaculture has made it a regional leader in sustainable fish farming. The country’s fisheries sector earned around half a billion US dollars in the last fiscal year, reflecting steady demand for shrimp, pangasius, and tilapia. Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Fisheries are working on improving traceability and certification standards. Yet, export volumes remain modest due to quality inconsistencies and limited cold-chain infrastructure. With rising global interest in clean protein and sustainable seafood, Bangladesh’s fish exports could scale rapidly—if supported by investment in logistics and branding. Empowering smallholder farmers with training, digital tools, and access to finance could unlock further growth. Strengthening community-based hatcheries and eco-friendly practices would ensure sustainability, while coordinated branding could position Bangladesh as a trusted global seafood supplier. Agricultural Commodities: A Sleeping Giant Agricultural exports brought in just over $1 billion in FY2024-25, led by fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. Mangoes, in particular, saw a rebound thanks to improved quality and packaging. However, the sector suffers from fragmented supply chains and slow policy support. Export growth has been inconsistent, and agricultural products face steep competition from regional players. The Ministry of Agriculture and EPB are now focusing on diaspora-driven demand and organic certification. Digital platforms for farm-to-market linkages, real-time price data, and quality monitoring could reduce inefficiencies and empower growers. Strategic partnerships with private investors and international buyers would further enhance competitiveness, ensuring that Bangladesh’s produce earns recognition in premium global markets and that agri-exports become a major growth engine. Pharmaceuticals: The Next Frontier Bangladesh now exports medicines to more than 160 countries after meeting 98 percent of its domestic demand, including shipments to highly regulated markets in Europe and North America. Pharmaceutical exports have nearly doubled in recent years to about $215 million, driven by WHO-compliant manufacturing facilities and competitively priced generic formulations. According to Md Zakir Hossain, secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI), exports could have easily surpassed the one-billion-dollar mark if not for a series of global setbacks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine–Russia war, and the ongoing devaluation of the Taka against
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