The Abru Crafts won nine awards for its collections and received the Best of the Year 2005 award.

The Anannya, a fortnightly magazine for women, has been organising the contest since 1999 to promote local fabrics.

This year a total of 150 boutique houses took part in the competition.

Rokia Afzal Rahman, former advisor of a caretaker government, gave away crests and certificates to the winners as the chief guest.

Congratulating the awardees, she said the quality of local fabrics is quite high, yet the imported fabrics have more of a demand in the country, which is a real problem for local entrepreneurs.

"The country has achieved success in the field of empowerment and advancement of women. The latest report of the World Economic Forum ranked Bangladesh 39th while India's position is at 53 in terms of women's empowerment," she said.

Women have also proved that they could work sincerely and with great commitment if given the opportunities, she added.

Even the rural women changed their lifestyle through their work, she said and urged all to use and promote local fabrics.

Speaking as the special guest, Bibi Russell, a famous fashion designer, appreciated the initiatives of the Anannya to promote local products and encourage the entrepreneurs.

Tasmima Hossain, editor of the Anannya, presided over the ceremony. Dr Anisur Rahman, Dr Maleka Begum, Kazi Madina, Maleka Khan and Dil Monwara Monu, executive editor of Anannya, were also present.