A group photo of local guides participating in the meet-up at the entrance of the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre
I am delighted to share this Local Guides Connect Recap as Mahabub Hasan, meetup host. On September 28, 2023, the passionate community of Bangladesh Local Guides came together to organize a vibrant event, aptly titled “Let’s Visit Bangladesh Festival.”
This spectacular gathering revolved around an exhibition known as the “Bangladesh Festival,” a collaborative effort between the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism.
The festival provided a captivating insight into the rich tapestry of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and a myriad of topics from various regions, all conveniently brought under one roof.
In the picture, the banners of various organizations are seen hanging outside the Bangabandhu International Convention Center, besides the crowd of visitors coming in front.
Exploring Bangladesh’s Diverse Culture and More
At the heart of the Bangladesh Festival were four distinct segments that captivated the attendees:
- Promotion of Local Tourism Sectors:
Inside the BICC, a dedicated hall served as a platform for various entertainment and tourism service organizations from Bangladesh. These organizations enthusiastically showcased their unique offerings and facilities to enthrall visitors. Additionally, the event highlighted the valuable contributions of government institutions towards the sector’s development.
- Exhibition of Handicrafts and Cottage Art of Different Regions:
Bangladesh’s various regions are renowned for producing exquisite handicrafts and cottage industries, often exported to both domestic and international markets. The festival featured numerous stalls from companies, showcasing eco-friendly items like pens and daily essentials crafted from tree barks. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore handlooms and handloom fabrics from various regions and tribal communities.
The Resurgence of Muslin Sarees:
A remarkable highlight of the festival was the revival of the legendary muslin saree, a cherished part of Bengal’s cultural heritage. This fabric is so delicate that an entire six-yard saree can effortlessly pass through a finger-ring. Muslin sarees boast a rich history dating back to ancient times and were worn by women of all classes, symbolizing luxury and status.
- Food Fest with Famous Dishes from 64 Districts:
Culinary enthusiasts had a treat as the festival showcased delectable dishes from all corners of Bangladesh. From the famous hilsa fish of Chandpur to the Sandesh of Satkhira and the Shutki of Chittagong, attendees savored an array of culinary delights that celebrated the country’s diverse gastronomy.
- Cultural Program:
As the day transitioned into the evening, the festival’s open-air cultural program unfolded outside the convention center. Various talented groups took the stage, delivering captivating performances of palligeeti, bhavaiya, and folk songs from different regions of Bangladesh.
Meetup Summary:
- Meetup Name: Let’s Visit Bangladesh Festival
- Bangladesh Local Guides Meetup No: 218
- Date: November 28, 2023
- Total Attendees: 27
Connect post written about the meet up of the local guides present
i. Memorable Experience” BDLG Meetup 218 - “Let’s Visit Bangladesh Festiva
ii. Green Pen~Eco Friendly Pen Made With Paper, Miracles Happen After Used
iii. Exploring Stalls and Shopping at Bangladesh Festival 2023, Featuring Women Entrepreneurs.
iv: My 1st Bangladesh Local Guides (BDLG) Meet Up in Dhaka at BICC - Bangladesh Festival
Supporting Small Businesses:
In keeping with our commitment to supporting local enterprises, we purchased eco-friendly plates made from tree bark and paper pens to gift to fellow local guides. These special pens, when discarded into the ground after use, have the remarkable ability to sprout plants, thanks to embedded flower seeds. The seeds flourish in the right environment, embodying sustainability and growth.
As is our tradition, the meetup also provided a platform to discuss various pertinent issues concerning local guides.
The “Let’s Visit Bangladesh Festival” was a splendid showcase of our commitment to celebrating Bangladesh’s cultural diversity, supporting local businesses, and fostering a strong sense of community among local guides. We look forward to more such enriching experiences in the future
Some more photos from the meet-up
