A two-day festival was held featuring idol-makers, potters, and clay artisans, as well as exhibitions and fairs showcasing traditional arts and crafts at Ashwini Kumar Hall in Barisal city.
The event concluded on Saturday afternoon.
During the closing session and award-giving ceremony on Saturday morning, Barisal Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam emphasized the importance of preserving Bangladesh’s traditions and heritage at all costs.
Dean of the Fine Arts Department at Dhaka University Nisar Hossain in his welcome speech emphasized the importance of spreading and promoting the works of eco-friendly potters.
He also noted it will increase the recognition of these artists and the value of their artwork.
Sohail Maruf, additional Deputy Commissioner, Sushant Ghosh, convener of the festival, and Dipankar Chakraborty, president of Charukla Barisal, also delivered speeches at the event,
Artist Dhali Al Mamun, Dilara Begum Jolly, Dr Kazi Mozammel Hossain, Ekushey Padak-winning journalist Ajoy Dasgupta, and Social Service Probation Officer Sajjad Parvez were also present in the program.
During the event, Arjun Pal from Munshiganj received the prestigious Zainul Abedin Lifetime Award in the animation category.
A total of 15 awards were presented in various categories, encompassing pottery and other branches of clay craftsmanship.
The award recipients included Tapan Pal and Asim Pal from Faridpur, Subodh Pal from Naogaon, Bikas Das from Patuakhali, Sushanta Pal and Ridoy Saha from Rajshahi, Shyamli Rani Pal from Maheshpur, Rupak Pal from Bakerganj in Barisal, Vishwanath Pal and Babul Pal from Nalchity, Savitri Pal from Jhalakathi, Shobha Rani Pal from Tangail, Uma Rani Pal from Madaripur, Khokon Pal from Kishoreganj, and Imran-Uz Zaman for his research work on the promotion of traditions and heritage.
Earlier on Friday, Barisal City Corporation's outgoing Mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah inaugurated the two-day-long festival.
Cultural programs featuring pottery from various regions of Bangladesh were showcased alongside the fair during the event.
Two hundred potters received financial support during the event.
The event received support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Summit Group, Berger Group, and Amrito Group.
