BSCIC opens boishakhi mela 1433 at Bangla Academy

The Boishakhi Mela 1433, a week-long fair organised by BSCIC and Bangla Academy, began today at the Bangla Academy premises.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Minister for Cultural Affairs, and Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Minister for Industries, formally opened the fair by releasing balloons, accompanied by other distinguished guests.

Md Saiful Islam, Chairman of BSCIC, opened the programme with New Year greetings. He noted that BSCIC and Bangla Academy have jointly organised the fair since the late 1970s to support small entrepreneurs, boosting their growth by promoting unique products from diverse communities nationwide. He also called on journalists to publicise the event and encouraged entrepreneurs and visitors to maintain cleanliness at the venue, which benefits the overall visitor experience.

Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Minister for Industries, extended New Year greetings as a special guest. He remarked that, unlike in previous years, this year's Boishakh celebrations are free from security concerns, enabling the public to celebrate peacefully. He emphasised that small entrepreneurs participating in the fair are invigorating the economy nationwide. He added that BSCIC has played a vital role in promoting small and cottage industries, with further support planned through financial initiatives, product promotion, and new market development.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Minister for Cultural Affairs and chief guest, stated that the New Year is being celebrated nationwide and that Pahela Baishakh is an integral part of Bangladesh's culture. He expressed the organisers' intention to expand such initiatives across the country, strengthening local culture and driving economic growth through the promotion of small entrepreneurs' products. He concluded by extending New Year greetings to all involved with the fair.

Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, President of Bangla Academy, reflected on the history of the Bangla language, noting that despite the institutional use of English, the people of the region have long embraced Bangla and can continue to build a strong future anchored in their linguistic heritage.

The event was chaired by Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy. Other distinguished attendees included Kaniz Mowla, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and Md Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries. Following the inauguration, guests toured the fair and interacted with entrepreneurs.

This year's fair showcases agricultural produce, handicrafts, folk art, jute and leather goods, GI products such as jamdani, shataranji, and shital pati, cottage industry products, and pottery. These products allow visitors to experience local culture while directly supporting small producers. Additional stalls offer toys, women's accessories, and traditional foods that cater to diverse tastes and promote regional craftsmanship. Of the 160 stalls, 146 have been allotted to entrepreneurs, including 7 for leather goods, 6 for jamdani, 4 for nakshi kantha, 44 for textiles, 5 for shataranji, and 2 for Manipuri sarees. Thirteen stalls are dedicated to small ethnic communities, providing them a platform to reach new customers, while the Quantum Foundation offers one for free blood donation. Visitors can also enjoy a craft zone, children's rides, cultural programmes, puppet shows, and a bioscope, making the fair a vibrant destination for community engagement and family enjoyment.

The Boishakhi Mela 1433 will run at the Bangla Academy premises from 14 to 20 April, remaining open daily from 10am to 7pm.