The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Masayuki Inoue yesterday said that the local boutique and fashion houses should showcase the country's heritage and tradition to draw out its roots.

"It will help to develop the economic condition of the country and project its cultural images," he added.

He mentioned that Nogordola, a handicraft and handloom project of Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) is such a house, which is working for the exploration of local cultural heritage. He hoped that Nogordola would continue to contribute for the welfare of the country, he was inaugurating the 2nd outlet of Nogordola, at Banani in the city.

The Japanese Ambassador said his government always encouraged this type of venture and would continue extend its support.

Amanullah Khan, Chairman of UNB and Takashi Asai, First Secretary of Japanese Embassy, were present as special guests on the occasion.

DAM President Kazi Rafiqul Alam said, "We need to assimmilate our culture with the changing world. It is working for marketing the products of the members of Gonokendra of DAM. DAM has taken this initiative to facilitate, explore and creating opportunity for the handicraft items producers."

Film actress Aruna Biswas, cricket star Habibul Bashar Sumon, popular singer Mehrin, noted athlete Zubera Rahman Linu and model Munmun were also present at the inauguration of new outlet.

A daylong programme was organised to celebrate the inauguration of the outlet. The programmes included fashion show, baul song, magic, performance by snake charmers, bioscope, music by 'Gaanwala' and other rural entertainment. This year Nogordola designed Boishakhi dress, crafts and the design and shape of 'Sandesh,' a traditional sweetmeat of Bangladesh.

During the last one year six expositions were organised by Nogordola to draw the attention of fashion conscious people of the country. This included among others works and fashion designs influenced by the works of eminent artist Quamrul Hasan, ancient 'Kalamkari,' aborigine drawings, traditional folk arts and design of Bengali alphabet.