BANGLA-R Mela, a fashion house of traditional and contemporary dresses, has crossed its maiden year and to mark the occasion honored a craftsman from Chapai Nawabganj, Kushanath Das, who received the prize from eminent artist Rafiqunnabi on May 3 at a ceremonial event that took place at Banani in the city. Management of Bangla-r Mela have further decided to honor personalities, those who have expertise and contribution in fields of traditional craftsmanship of local clothing items. The award includes a cash prize of taka five thousand and a crest.

Honored Kushanath is a producer of top quality silk that is used for the production of various types of dress items including sari and Punjabi. Kushanath, who is in his 30's, has, so far, shown considerable degree of maturity and innovative idea in his work of silk production. He has totally avoided any use of chemical in weaving procedures, instead, has relied on vegetable dye. Top NGOs like BRAC and Grameen have used his technology in experimental projects those have produced satisfactory result.

Bangla-r Mela started its journey on May 3 of 2001 when a small group of entrepreneurs including reputed designer and artist Emdad Haque and fashion designer Bibi Russell joined hands to render service to the people of the country through their fine quality clothing made out of Grameen fabrics. As Emdad Haque said, 'We will continue the award for best crafts-

men of the country in the years to come. Bangla-r Mela firmly believes that through this proclamation the organization would be able to encourage people to take this art form in a serious manner which would ultimately lead to a wider use of traditional garments, in home and abroad'.