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 Mela (fair) commenced this Thursday, showcasing the diverse talents of 56 small-scale entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh. The exhibition, which predominantly features women-led enterprises, offers a curated selection of traditional attire, hand-crafted jewellery, eco-friendly lifestyle products, and bespoke fragrances.
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A Celebration of Heritage and Design
The fair was formally inaugurated by Parveen Mahmud, Chairman of Midas, alongside Managing Director M. Khairul Bashar. Speaking at the opening, the organisers emphasised the importance of providing a platform for micro-entrepreneurs to transition from online spaces to physical marketplaces during the peak shopping season.
Visitors are treated to an array of indigenous textiles, including hand-stitched Sharis, intricate Three-pieces, and elegantly tailored Panjabis and Fotuas. Beyond apparel, the event highlights Bangladesh’s prowess in jute and leather goods. One visitor from Kalabagan, Samapti, noted:
“The fair is a wonderful showcase of local talent. While I was hoping for more Jamdani varieties, the boutique collection and hand-worked designs are truly impressive.”
Featured Artisans and Product Highlights
| Entrepreneur/Brand | Specialty Products | Price Range (BDT) | Key Markets |
| Swapneel House | Tat, Khadi & Rajshahi Silk coats | 700 – 20,000 | Saudi, UK, China |
| Ayman’s Creation | Jute, Bamboo & Hogla leaf decor | 300 – 1,200 | Domestic |
| Liza Boutiques | Designer Panjabis & Three-pieces | Varied | Dhanmondi Showroom |
| Trend & Tradition | Hand-painted wood & clay jewellery | Varied | Domestic/Events |
| Azan Perfume | Concentrated Attars & Fragrances | 100 – 1,800 | University Campuses |
From Local Looms to Global Markets
Several entrepreneurs at the fair are already making waves internationally. Sharmin Sultana of Swapneel House, a former banker turned designer, uses Rajshahi silk and Khadi to create high-end blazers and Sharis. Her work is exported to the UK and Saudi Arabia, though she highlights a significant hurdle: the lack of local Halal Certification for textiles, a growing requirement for British buyers.
Similarly, Eliza Parveen of Liza Boutiques, who trained in design in India, discussed the economic pressures of the current market. Despite the rising cost of raw materials, many consumers still expect “bargain” prices, making it difficult for artisans to maintain high-quality standards without squeezing their margins.
Sustainable Innovations and Artisanal Bling
The fair also underscores a shift toward sustainability. Ayman’s Creation, founded with a modest investment of 20,000 BDT during the pandemic, now boasts a stock worth over 300,000 BDT. Their eco-friendly floor mats and jute bags, priced affordably, are a hit with environmentally conscious shoppers.
In the jewellery section, Trend & Tradition showcases the artistic synergy of wood and clay. Imina Srishti and her sister, a Fine Arts graduate, create hand-painted bangles and necklaces that have previously generated over 100,000 BDT in sales during a single three-day event. Meanwhile, fragrance houses like Morakkaj and Azan Perfume bring a touch of the Middle East to Dhaka, blending French oils with local essences to create popular 3ml pocket perfumes.
The fair is open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and will conclude this Saturday. It remains a vital opportunity for Dhaka’s residents to support “Made in Bangladesh” initiatives while finding unique pieces for their Eid wardrobes.