Banglacraft

BANGLACRAFT—short for the Bangladesh Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association—first came together back in 1979. The idea was simple: get everyone shaping the country’s handicraft scene onto the same page. You’ve got manufacturers, exporters, traders, producers, designers, promoters, and suppliers from all over Bangladesh, all working under one roof. They wanted more than just a loose group, so they made it official by registering with the Joint Stock Company and the Ministry of Commerce.

This isn’t just a business club. BANGLACRAFT runs as a non-profit, so it’s just as focused on growing the whole handicraft community as it is on business deals. Over time, they’ve become an A-class member of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI), which just cements their role as a voice for the sector.

Today, BANGLACRAFT has about 500 members—a pretty big network. Their office sits right in the heart of Dhaka’s Kawran Bazar, covering around 3,000 square feet. There’s a training space inside that fits over 80 people, perfect for workshops or skill-building sessions. They’re also working on bigger things: a Registrar Training Organization (RTO) and a research and development center for handicrafts, with support from the National Skills Development Authority and the Bangladesh Technical Education Board. Registration for these new projects is already underway.

And there’s more. BANGLACRAFT is building a new website that’ll do more than just show off their work. It’s meant to connect local artisans with markets at home and abroad, keep everyone up to date, and bring a bit more organization and professionalism to the whole sector.