BaSE in Brief.

The BaSE is a social business and a Guaranteed Fair Trade organization based in Bangladesh, established to coordinate and promote the handicraft products of various female manufacturing groups that are often excluded from mainstream markets, especially those working in the South-West. Since 1999, BaSE has been a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).

Through BaSE, these groups produce various handmade items, including Date/Palm leaf Kaisa & Jute Basketry, Jute Macramé, Crochet & Weaving Bags, Nakshi Hand Embroidery, Fashion, and Accessories.

BaSE is owned by women producer groups and has over 5,000 producers (99% of whom are women) organized into 12 producer groups, offering over 3,000 products.

The producers come from marginalized communities and possess great skill, with the ability to showcase a large variety of their own design items and create customizable designs. BaSE uses local natural raw materials, and all products are 100% natural, biodegradable, and recyclable.

We purchase raw materials directly from farmers or producers and avoid intermediaries or brokers.

Page 3 e1619715376870

H

Our Founder.

BaSE was founded by an Italian Xaverian missionary, Fr. Giovanni Abbiati, who was also known as Fr. John. He witnessed the poverty and difficult living conditions of the villagers, especially the underprivileged women. He wanted to make a positive change but without creating economic dependency through direct financial support. He discovered that the village women were skilled in crafting household decorative items using jute, and decided to offer them an opportunity to develop their traditional skills and prepare these products for the market. He started a specific group in Bhoberpara village to export these goods and devoted his life to improving the livelihood of the disadvantaged handicraft producers.

The BaSE concept was born in 1977 and officially formed in 1999 to coordinate the handicraft activities of various producer groups operating in the South-West part of Bangladesh. United under BaSE, these groups, which were not part of the mainstream, were given the chance to promote their products. BaSE stands for Bangladesh Shilpo Ekota, which translates to United Artisans of Bangladesh.

In 2009, Fr. John passed away in a tragic road accident. After his sudden demise, with the leadership of Shourove Ansari and collaboration with all producers, partners, Xaverian society, Fr. John’s family, and Sondrio Friends, BaSE was reformed and continues on its development journey.

IMG 3652 1024x768 1 1

Vision Statements.

We envision economically self-sufficient, socially recognized, culturally empowered, and morally aware, dignified women in Bangladesh.

3397599209 00b9669f2a b e1619715302209

Mission Statements.

BaSE’s mission is to allow women of Bangladesh weaving their dignity, self-consciousness, and self-sufficiency with their own hands and through craftsmanship, inspired by their traditions and handicraft legacy.

005 768x1024 1

Value & Ethical Guidelines.

Without discrimination for gender, color, caste, and creed, the organization is completely charitable, beneficial, educational, non-political, non-communal, and non-profitable. It intends to be a non-discriminating organization with no regard to nation, color, creed, and gender.

3398409432 84e0472a38 b e1619715268449

Current Social Objectives.

We focus on producer development through work opportunities, education, health support for families, and capacity building of human resources.

BaSE Producer Groups.

The BaSE consists of different types of members – Direct Groups, Associates Groups, and Occasional.

IMG 1517 e1619770801787
IMG 0294 e1622571658345
DSC 0362 2 e1619714589276

The specifications are:

  • Direct Groups: These groups receive direct support from BaSE in areas such as legal matters, adherence to the 10 WFTO Fair Trade Principles, production management, packaging, and shipments. The direct groups include; Bhoberpara Mohila Hosto Shilpo (BH), Banchte Shekha Handicrafts (BSH), Baniarchor Group (BA), Khalishpur Group (KHC), Rupsha Group (BLU), Mashwar Pasha Group (MHP), Rampal Group (RAM), Bonochaya Mohila Shomity (BC), Rajapur Group (RAJ).
  • Associate Groups: These groups have their own management structures and reflect in them a commitment to justice, fair employment, public accountability, progressive working practices, equal gender balance and abolition of child labour. The associates groups are Valerian Handicrafts (SH), Rishilpi Handicrafts (SAT), Charka Handicrafts (CH), Bonochaya Mohila Shomity (BC), Women Training Center (CHA).
  • Occasional Groups/Members: This category provides export facilities for mutual organizations. The occasional groups include: ALX and Others.

BaSE’s Reach and Impact: Through this expansive network, BaSE empowers communities and brings sustainable craftsmanship to the world.

  • Divisions: BaSE operates across three major divisions in Bangladesh: Khulna, Dhaka, and Barishal.
  • Districts: Our efforts span seven districts: Khulna, Jashore, Meherpur, Satkhira, Faridpur, Bagerhat, and Barishal.
  • Villages: Over 100 villages within these districts are home to BaSE’s dedicated producers.
  • Producers: Around 5,000 producers, organized into 12 groups (direct and associate), contribute to our projects, with numbers adapting to meet annual production demands.
  • Team: Our team includes 15 direct staff (7 men and 8 women) and 33 indirect managers and supervisors (21 women and 12 men) who skillfully manage production across the communities.
Navy Blue Minimalist Company Leader Organizational Chart
2e73adfa 8e4a 45c7 a6f0 aa839928bba1

Group name

Product category

Production specialization

Materials

Location

Number of producers

Bhoberpara Mohila Hosto Shilpo (BH)

Home Decor

Weaving

Jute Fiber

Meherpur

143

Banchte Shekha Handicrafts (BSH)

Textile, Accessories, Home Decor

Nakshi-Embroidery

Cotton-Silk Recycled Fabric

Jessore

206

Baniarchor Group (BA)

Home Decor

Weaving

Jute Fibre & Recycled Sari

Faridpur

45

Khalishpur Group (KHC)

Accessories, Wedding & Greetings

Nakshi-Embroidery

Paper, Cotton Recycled Fabric

Khulna

104

Blue Sisters Group (BLU)

Home Decor & Accessories

Macramé

Jute Fiber

Khulna

140

Mashwar Pasha Group (MHP)

Home Decor & Basketry

Weaving, Hand Embroidery

Date/Palm Leaf Kaisa and Recycled Sari

Khulna & Etc.

1,796

Rampal Group (RAM)

Home Decor & Accessories

Crochet & Macramé

Jute Fibre and Recycled Sari

Bagerhat

30

Valerian Handicrafts (SH)

Basketry

Weaving

Palm Leaf

Jessore

405

Rishilpi Handicrafts (SAT)

Basketry

Weaving

Palm Leaf

Satkhira

916

Charka Handicrafts (CH)

Textile, Accessories, Home Decor

Nakshi-Embroidery, Appliqué

Cotton-Silk Fabric

Jessore

680

Bonochaya Mohila Shomity (BC)

Basketry

Weaving

Palm Leaf

Khulna

360

Rajapur Group (RAJ)

Jute Mats

Hand Weaving

Jute

Barishal

175

BaSE Leadership Organogram.

WhatsApp Image at e ()

BaSE Activities Map.

Chart & Graph Map

BaSE Committee:

Chairperson: Mr. Ashok Sarkar, Social Worker

Vice-chairperson: Ms. Shondha Mondol, Representative BH Group

Secretary: Ms. Lily Serena Biswas, Representative BSH Group

Office Secretary: Ms. Dulali Biswas, Representative KHC Group

Treasurer: Ms. Roza Biswas, Representative SH Group

Member: Ms. Monica Mondol, Representative BLU Group

Member: Ms. Shagorika Mondol, Representative SAT Group

BaSE Consultants:

Design: Ms. Rossana Vittani

SEO: Mr. Md Nurul Islam

Volunteer Support: Mr. Sheek Shah Mosiur Rahoman

BaSE Advisors:

Advisor: Fr. Valoti Lorenzo, Representative Xaverian Missionary

Advisor: Ms. Angela Gomes, Representative National NGO

Advisor: Mr. Benedetto Abbiati, Representative Buyer/Partner/Friends

BaSE Management Team:

Coordinating Director: Mr. Shourove Ansari

Finance and Logistic Coordinator: Mr. Theophil Sardar

Manager – Production & Quality Control: Ms. Hira Gosh

Supervisor – Training & Compliances: Ms. Suborna Akter

Office Assistant: Mr. Niloy Das

Testimonials

What our customers & partners say about us.

Need Product Catalog?

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.