Golden fibre shines brighter

Fazle Hasan Abed (2nd-L) and Ruby Ghuznavi (4th-L) seen with the recipients of the awards

The jute industry is one of the oldest in Bangladesh. Now the time has come for this fibre to be adapted in innovative product lines. As in previous years, to recognise the masters of jute crafts, Shilu Abed Karushilpa Awards 2005 were given to four craftspeople on March 5 at the Brac Centre. Instituted in the memory of Shilu Abed, the founder of Aarong, the programme was organised by the National Craft Council of Bangladesh (NCCB).

NCCB in association with the Shilu Abed Trust has been awarding the craftspeople of the country since 1998.

Fazle Hasan Abed, chairperson of Brac, handed over the awards to the winners. This year's best craft-artist award was given to Tangail's Jahanara Akhter, who makes beautiful Shika (pot hanger made of plaited jute fibre). Special accolades went to Savar's Ali Akbar for his exquisite jute floor rugs with ethnic blend, Satkheera's Sakhina Begum for the fusion of trendy traditional bags and Tangail's Maleka Begum for Shika.

However, the artists' path to success was not easy. Take the case of Jahanara, a widow with two infants, who has put in years of struggle to attain today's position. "Now around 40 other women are working with me. And I really want to do something for the distressed rural women who are in a vulnerable condition," said Jahanara.

"There was a time when the jute artisans had to struggle a great deal, but through perseverance and dedication their aesthetic sense has created these success stories," said Ruby Ghuznavi, president of NCCB.

Needless to say, jute handicraft items are very much in vogue now. A luxurious range of home decor products made of jute was displayed after the award ceremony.

NCCB announced that the next year's awards will be given for excellence in jewellery craftsmanship.