Eighteen veteran and skilled pottery artisans were honoured at the 17th Pottery Artisans' Conference and Awards 2026 in Barishal, recognising their contributions to preserving Bangladesh's traditional pottery.
The event began at noon yesterday (17 October) at a community centre in the city, organised by Mritshilpi Sammelan O Sammanana, Barishal, according to the press release.
Held annually for 17 years, the conference aims to preserve and promote pottery, recognise its artisans and introduce younger generations to the craft.
More than 150 pottery artisans attended from different parts of the country, including Barishal, Faridpur, Madaripur, Mymensingh, Tangail, Naogaon and Rajshahi.
The 18 artisans received honours in different categories. Veteran potter Niranjan Pal, from Mansurabad union in Faridpur's Bhanga upazila, received the "Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Lifetime Achievement Award".
Engineer and art enthusiast Moinul Abedin, the youngest son of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, inaugurated the conference.
Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akhtar Jahan Shirin attended as chief guest, while Summit Power Limited Managing Director Dr Monirul Islam Akhand, a retired major general, attended as special guest.
Artisans displayed and sold handmade earthenware, ceremonial pots used in Manasa worship, dolls, decorative pots known as "shokher hari", clay toys and other traditional folk crafts.
They also introduced visitors to pottery items that were once widely used in their regions but are now disappearing. A children's drawing competition was held in the morning.
Speaking at the inauguration, Moinul said, "Growing up with my father Zainul Abedin's pottery collection sparked my interest in this craft from childhood. That interest has deepened over time.
"Pottery is an inseparable part of Bangladesh's culture and heritage. Its diversity, history and aesthetics need to be presented to younger generations. Everyone involved in the arts must play a responsible role in preserving this traditional craft and encouraging young people to take an interest in it."
In his remarks, Monirul said, "Summit Group has always supported creative work and will continue to do so. These awards have been presented for 17 years to sustain pottery artisans' enthusiasm for their work. Summit Group has been associated with this initiative since its inception."
Addressing the event as chief guest, Bilkis said, "Pottery is part of our country's heritage. We must come forward to keep this craft alive. Doing so will help protect the environment and sustain the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in pottery."
Researchers, artists, cultural activists, academics and representatives of various professions attended the event.