Developing Resources for Creative and Design Education
Under the leadership and active guidance of the late Md. Imamul Kabir Shanto, the founding
chairman, the Shanto-Mariam Foundation (SMF), since its inception, has played a pioneering role in
promoting creative and design education in Bangladesh. In 2003, the Foundation established the
renowned Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology in Uttara, Dhaka, becoming the first
university in the country dedicated to design and creative fields. Currently, run under a Board of
Trustees, following the Private University Act 2010, this initiative filled a significant gap in higher
education, offering study opportunities in subjects such as Fashion Design, Graphic Design &
Multimedia, Classical Music, and Dance, making higher education more accessible to students from
economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The establishment of the university reflects the unwavering commitment of the SMF to create
resources for creative and design education in Bangladesh. Prior to the university, the Foundation
had also established the Bangladesh Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, which was later
renamed as the Shanto-Mariam Institute of Creative Technology (SMICT). The institute collaborated
with Edexcel International to offer UK-based vocational diplomas such as HND and ND in art and
design fields. Currently, the institute offers these international diplomas under Pearson, UK, with
continued financial and management support from the SMF.
To further facilitate design and creative education, the Foundation established supporting
organizations such as Shanto-Mariam Printing and Packaging, Ajker Prottasha, Creative Mannequin,
and Creative Gallery. These organizations provide students in creative fields with essential support,
opportunities to practice, and hands-on experience in cultivating their creative talents and producing
creative outcomes that align with market demands.
In line with its principle of utilizing indigenous resources for the local and international markets, the
Foundation promotes local talents in designing and crafting handicrafts, garments, jute products,
leather goods, bamboo items, and products made from other natural resources. The Foundation
aims to provide specialized training and skill development opportunity to artisans, allowing them to
showcase their talents and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Looking forward, the foundation’s leadership continues to emphasize the development of facilities
and opportunities for design and creative education in Bangladesh. This ongoing support and
dedication to creative education will undoubtedly accelerate the growth of the creative sector,
potentially leading to significant contributions to the country's economic and cultural advancement.
The Shanto-Mariam Foundation’s initiatives in creative education and support for local talents are
essential in nurturing a vibrant creative ecosystem in the country.