Two-day clay artisan fest ends

A two-day traditional clay artisan festival ended at Ashwini Kumar Hall, Barisal on October 8 with a call to preserve traditional arts, crafts and greater patronage to develop and expand environment friendly clay materials.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Rakhal Chandra Dey, president of district Puja Udjapon Parishad.

Nesar Hossain, dean of Fine Arts Faculty, Dhaka university, inaugurated the closing ceremony, with Professor Ziaul Haque, Chairman Barisal Education board, as the chief guest.

At the closing ceremony, 25 clay artisans and potters were accorded a reception for their professional achievements. Over 150 idol maker artisans, pottery makers and their assistants were honoured with prize money and fabric.

Besides Bishweshwar Paul of Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali district was given the life-time achievement award.

Bishweshwar Paul said clay artisans face numerous problems in production, transportation and marketing. He added that unless the government extends patronage to them, the community will not survive competition from cheap products such as plastic and enamel.

Eminent artist Rafiqun Nabi inaugurated the festival at Ashwini Kumar Hall, organised by Mritshilpi Sammilon O Sammanana Uddyog, describing it as a unique programme in the country to showcase and strengthen the country's culture and heritage.

Aktari Mamtaz, Secretary of Ministry of Cultural Affairs, attended the inaugural ceremony of the festival as chief guest.