UNESCO Director General Federico Mayor announced the name in recognition of Bibi Russel's commitment to welfare of weavers of Bangladesh and her devotion to the promotion of traditional crafts in the cause of human dignity, development and eradication of poverty, said a UNESCO press release here today.

Her nomination came on Monday during a 10-day event that took place at the UNESCO headquarters to promote traditional African weaving, it added.

It said Bibi Russel has been helping Bangladesh's traditional handloom weavers gain international exposure and find new markets by using their production in her own fashion designs.

She has also been active in UNESCO's Fashion for Development Programme that supports traditional crafts and helps draw on their economic potential. (Daily Star - Bangladesh, October 10, 1999)