Despite Mirpur Katan sarees earning GI status, Mirpur’s weavers still battle rising costs, lack of recognition, poor infrastructure, and fading traditions — trapped between promises and survival, with no real change reaching the artisans.

The country’s taant (handloom) industry — a vital piece of the nation’s cultural and economic fabric – is currently struggling under the weight of economic challenges. This season, our support for these artisans, who breathe life into traditional garments, is more important than ever.

The Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust (BANCAT) has taken a unique initiative that connects tradition, sustainability, and compassion. Their project, Alok Kantha, revives the cherished craft of hand-embroidered quilts using discarded sarees, turning them into something truly meaningful.

For the first time, I also found myself giddy over a male protagonist from the world of my father and uncles. The character of Nadeem, Selina's boyfriend, can be best described as a "man written by a woman".