‘Not enough space for artisans at craft fair’

A month-long craft fair and folk festival is currently ongoing at Folk and Craft Foundation in Sonargaon, Narayanganj.

Every year, this fair is organised to promote traditional folk art. This year, 32 shops have been allotted for 64 artisans from different parts of the country. As a result, artisans have been facing problems in terms of the space allotted to them.

Talking to the artisans, this correspondent found that they weren't aware about this allotting system. Besides, in other years, an honorarium (Tk 500 per day) was allotted for an artisan along with an associate. But this year, the organisers skimped out on payment for their associate.

Rashida Begum, an artisan working with jute products, said, "I came to this fair this year for the first time. I'm already having such a bad experience since I can't showcase most of my products due to a lack of space."

Many other artisans shared similar grievances.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader opened the fair on January 18. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khaled was also present.