Desk Report:
Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Chairman Benazir Ahmed has said that ensuring a market for products is the first priority for the development of the creative economy. She said that a coordinated effort is needed to create opportunities for young and talented artists-designers, use domestic raw materials, develop product design and production technology, and expand the market.
She said these things in her speech as the president at a discussion meeting organized by BSCIC to determine broader parameters for implementing the creative economy and form a National Pool of Designers. The meeting was held at the BSCIC boardroom at 11 am on Sunday (August 23, 2026).
In the meeting, Rahat Uddin, the chief designer of the Design Center, highlighted the activities of the BSCIC Design Center and the role of the Design Center in the development and promotion of traditional folk arts. He presented the activities and potential of various trades under the design center, and information on traditional and potential products collected from 64 districts of the country.
The participants in the discussion emphasized the development of domestic designs, the creation of skilled designers, improving product quality, market expansion, and determining strategies for entering the international market. In addition, it was proposed to identify the number and potential of sector-based products in different districts of the country and give priority to potential products selected from each district.
President of Bangladesh Jute Diversified Product Manufacturing and Export Association Md. Rashedul Karim Munna emphasized on product-based integrated planning and the formation of a separate designer pool for each product. Representative of Bangladesh Craft Imran Khan highlighted the need for the development of natural fiber-based products and the creation of skilled designers.
Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Professor Azharul Islam said that the formation of the National Pool of Designers requires coordination of skilled and experienced experts, designers, and marketing experts based on medium. At the same time, design should be developed taking into account the needs of the national and international markets.
Eminent designer Bibi Russell praised the creativity and skills of Bangladeshi artisans and called for giving priority to domestic designs and products. She emphasized on increasing the recognition of Bangladeshi products in the international market by utilizing domestic traditions and own designs.
Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar emphasized on identifying talented and promising designers and providing them with work opportunities and necessary financial support. He called for avoiding imitation of foreign designs and inventing new designs based on one’s own traditions and creativity.
Professor Md. Zakiul Islam of the Department of Architecture, BUET suggested giving utmost importance to quality in the formation of the National Pool of Designers. He emphasized on selecting qualified and skilled designers through a competitive process and expanding the scope of the creative economy.
Professor Dr. Md. of the University of Textiles also spoke at the meeting. Mahbubur Rahman, Bangladesh Multipurpose Jute Export Representative Tahmid, Assistant Director of Joyita Foundation Munmun Nahar and other stakeholders participated. They presented various recommendations for product-based design development, designer selection and skill enhancement, media involvement and market expansion of domestic products.
In her closing speech, BSCIC Chairman Benazir Ahmed said that an effective framework should be developed by taking into account raw materials, products, design, machinery, production capacity, marketing and market management in an integrated manner. Calling on the concerned individuals and institutions to work in a coordinated manner in the interest of the country, she said that BSCIC will take necessary activities for the development of creative economy based on the recommendations and guidelines of the stakeholders.
