An exhibition showcasing aesthetic pearl and oyster shell ornaments along with eye-catching showpieces was held in Gopalganj on Thursday.
The exhibition featured products crafted by 30 young entrepreneurs and highlighted the growing potential of pearl-based handicrafts.
The exhibition took place at the training centre of the district fisheries officer’s office on Circuit House Road in Gopalganj town.
Handmade pearl and oyster shell ornaments and showpieces produced by 30 young male and female entrepreneurs from 10 districts under Dhaka, Barisal, and Khulna divisions were displayed at the exhibition.
The event was organised following the completion of a 15-day skill development training programme under the “Conservation and Development of Indigenous Fish and Snail Species Project.”
Project Director Md. Khaliduzzaman said that the project began its journey in March 2021 at a building of the district fisheries office.
Under this initiative, 200 pearl oyster farming demonstrations have been conducted across 52 upazilas in 10 districts of three divisions, with activities still ongoing in several areas. So far, around 100,000 image pearls and a large quantity of oysters have been produced.
Senior Assistant Director of the project, Muhammad Monirul Islam, said that if entrepreneurs are provided with access to low-interest loans, they will be able to establish handicraft industries.
Trainer Dr. Md. Ferdous Siddiqui, Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, said this is the largest residential training program on pearl jewellery making in Bangladesh.
Trainees Shamima Haque Rima, Md Ariful Islam, and Suborna Akter also addressed the event.
