Press Release
Texheritage Bangladesh Announces Winner of “Textile Lens 2026” and Signs Media Partnership
Texheritage Bangladesh – Museum, Innovation & Preservation Foundation proudly announces the winner of its national photography competition, “Textile Lens 2026.”
The First Prize has been awarded to Mahidul Islam Nakib, Founder and Proprietor of Somogro Bangladesh. His powerful and meaningful photograph titled “Lungi” has been selected as the winning image for its vivid portrayal of one of Bangladesh’s most traditional and widely used garments.
Museum Caption | Textile Lens 2026 – First Place
The lungi is one of the most enduring and popular garments in Bangladesh. Though simple in construction, it holds a deep connection with the country’s social and working life. Archaeological studies suggest that similar waist-wrapped garments were worn in the Mohenjo-daro civilization nearly four thousand years ago.
For centuries, in the riverine rural regions of Bengal, the lungi has remained an essential garment for farmers, fishermen, laborers, and ordinary people in their daily lives. Its lightweight cotton weave and comfortable structure make it particularly suitable for humid climates and physically demanding work.
The winning photograph of Textile Lens 2026 was selected because it presents the lungi in its most natural and authentic context—within the movement of everyday life. The image portrays the garment not merely as a fashion element, but as a reflection of its deep relationship with labor, nature, and heritage—from casting fishing nets by the river to walking through rural paths and agricultural fields.
Through this simple yet powerful representation, the photograph reflects the core philosophy of Texheritage—where textiles are documented not merely as museum artifacts, but as living culture, symbols of human dignity, and expressions of social resilience.
Media Partnership Announcement
Texheritage Bangladesh is also pleased to announce that it will sign a media partnership agreement with Somogro Bangladesh. Through this collaboration, both organizations will work together to document, preserve, and creatively present Bangladesh’s living textile heritage to a wider audience.
This partnership marks an important step for Texheritage, enabling the rich textile heritage, history, and contemporary creativity of Bangladesh to be showcased on a stronger platform.
The continued support, encouragement, and prayers from all well-wishers will strengthen this journey even further.
Texheritage Bangladesh
Museum, Innovation & Preservation Foundation
