Sweet festival begins in Tangail; famous chamcham to be exported

A three-day grand ‘Sweet Festival 2026’ has begun in Tangail with the aim of promoting the globally renowned GI-recognized Tangail saree, the century-old traditional Porabari Chamcham sweet, and the region’s local culture and heritage on the international stage.

The colorful festival was formally inaugurated on Friday (September 4) afternoon at Shaheed Smriti Municipal Park in the heart of Tangail city. State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, MP, inaugurated the event by releasing balloons and pigeons.

The opening ceremony of the unique and visually appealing fair was presided over by Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque. Senior local government officials, prominent business people, representatives of the handloom industry, and cultural personalities were also present as special guests.

Visitors to the festival said the opportunity to taste Tangail’s authentic and famous sweets and see its traditional sarees under one roof was truly commendable. They said the event is particularly playing an important role in introducing Tangail’s century-old heritage to the younger generation.

In his speech as chief guest, State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said Tangail’s traditional sweets and Tangail sarees are not only the pride of the district but also of Bangladesh. He said steps would be taken to export Tangail’s century-old Chamcham sweet abroad.

He added that the government would continue to provide necessary support to preserve these traditions and take them to global markets. He expressed hope that such initiatives would play an important role in developing local industries and small entrepreneurs.

Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque said Tangail is a highly promising district with enormous tourism potential. Various programs have been undertaken to fully realize that potential, with the Sweet Festival being one of them.

She said the festival has three main objectives: to promote the century-old sweet industry globally under the ‘Brand Tangail’ identity, create a platform for young entrepreneurs to build businesses rooted in local heritage, and strengthen the district’s economy by expanding the market for local products.