Tangail’s handloom weaving industry faces collapse due to rising costs, competition from cheaper power loom sarees, and declining demand. Without financial aid, innovation, and promotion, this centuries-old craft risks fading into history.

Dhaka Makers 3 showcased Bangladesh’s thriving creative ecosystem, blending tradition with innovation. Featuring artisans, sustainable crafts, live workshops, and music performances, the festival celebrated craftsmanship while fostering cultural exchange, economic opportunities, and interactive artistic experiences in Dhaka’s growing arts scene.

Shola, a delicate, eco-friendly material crafted from the Aeschynomene aspera plant, is vital to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. Artisans face challenges from shrinking wetlands and limited local demand, yet newer generations strive to preserve this traditional art.

“Dhak, dhol, jhajor baaje,” we recite as children and there is no denying that the beats of the drums that we call ‘dhak’ has something robustly unique about it. Dhak is a familiar musical instrument that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Aside from their uniquely loud palpitating beats, there are stories behind the sound.

Hailing from Kushtia, Mohammad Abdul has been making and selling haat pakhas for more than two decades now. Like Abdul, many people used to earn their livelihoods by making such pakhas – a tradition declining with time.