This has only been possible with the encouragement and support of all well wishers of crafts. Its mandate is to organise programmes to develop and promote the craft sector, maintaining the integrity of craft traditions and supporting sustainable livelihood for the craft community of the country. Its multidisciplinary membership includes craftspeople, researchers, development activists and the media. It is important to note that after agriculture, crafts employ the highest numbers of people – men and women –   particularly in the rural areas. 

Over the years NCCB initiated and participated in several national and international exhibitions. The first of its kind “Artisans at Work” was held in Dhaka in 1986 followed by Aabaran in and several others in recent years.The first one abroad was  “Crafts of Bangladesh “ at the Commonwealth Institute in London in 1988, followed by the much acclaimed “Woven Air “ at the Whitechapel Gallery in London in 1989 and Festival of Bangladesh at South Bank and other venues in 2009. Several others have taken place  over the years in collaboration with WCC, in India, Nepal, Kuwait, Malaysia, Japan and China etc over the last three decades. 

In recent years NCCB has undertaken important research and training projects involving craft communities like Jamdani weavers sponsored by the US Ambassador’ Fund and the potters groups in Paharpur supported by UNESCO. NCCB’s publications include Textile Traditions of Bangladesh and … as well as several articles in national and international journals and brochures and catalogues with various events.

It’s most ambitious project to date is the Jamdani Festival, scheduled for February’19 which aims to revive fine Jamdani designs of the past and improve their quality by using cotton Khadi and fine quality machine yarn. It is jointly organised by NCCB, Bengal Foundation, Bangladesh National Museum supported by WCC APR and will include a world class Exhibition, showcasing reproductions of century old Jamdanis sourced from museums and private collections, International Seminar and Weavers Workshop, a quality publication and documentary as well as other related events.