In the Beginning

The BaSE was founded by an Italian Xaverian missionary, Fr. Giovanni Abbiati, known as Fr. John.

He observed the poverty and the life of the poor villagers, especially underprivileged women.

He wanted to change the situation but without providing direct financial support in order to avoid economic dependency.

Knowing that village women use jute to craft their household decorative items, he decided to give them the opportunity to uphold their traditional skills and prepare these products for the market.

With this purpose he started a specific group in Bhoberpara village and began to export these goods, devoting his life to the development of the livelihood of the poor disadvantaged handicraft producers.

BaSE concept was born in 1977 and was officially formed in 1999 to co-ordinate the handicraft activities of various producer groups working in the South-West part of Bangladesh.
United in BaSE, these groups which were out of the mainstream, got the chance to promote their products.

The baSE stands for Bangladesh Shilpo Ekota, which means United Artisans of Bangladesh.

In 2009, 5 October in a road accident in Savar, Dhaka Fair Trade hero Fr. John demise.

After Fr. John sudden demise Mr. Shourove Ansari took the initiative to carry on the activities with the cooperation of Artisans, Sondrio Friends,  Xaverian Society Bangladesh.

The BaSE is a non-profit Guaranteed Fair Trade organization of Bangladesh set up to co-ordinate and promote the handicraft products of various female manufacturing groups out of the mainstream, especially those working in the South-West. Since 1999 BaSE is a member of WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization)

United in BaSE, these groups produce various types of handmade items, such as Date Palmleaf Basketry, Jute Macramé, Nakshi Embroidery, Women’s Clothing, and Accessories.

BaSE owned by women producer groups and a total of over 10,000 producers (99% are women) organized in 17 producer groups and having over 3,000 products.

The producers are from marginalized communities.

Our producer is very skilled and able to show you the large numbers of its own design items and able to do customizable designs.

BaSE uses local natural raw materials and products are 100% Natural, Biodegradable, Recyclable. We purchase all the raw materials from the direct farmers or producers and avoid medium/brokers.

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

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.

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.

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

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

At present BaSE is working in the following areas:

• Division: BaSE is working in 2 Divisions in Bangladesh, Khulna, and Dhaka.
• District: BaSE covers 6 districts – Khulna, Jessore, Meherpur, Satkhira, Faridpur, and Dhaka.
• Villages: BaSE producers are located in over one hundred villages in 6 districts of 2 divisions.
• Producers: In total, about 10,007 producers are working under 17 producer groups (Direct and Associates).

Coordinating Director: Mr. Shourove Ansari

Group Coordinator: Ms. Asfiya Akther (Eila)

Finance and Logistic Coordinator: Mr. Theophil Sardar

Production and Quality Control Supervisor: Ms. Hira Gosh