‘Statesman of the Era’
Art exhibit on Bangabandhu begins in Khulna
A three-day art exhibition titled "Bangabandhu: Statesman of the Era" began in Khulna on Friday.
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) and the High Commission of India in Bangladesh in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy organised the event as part of the celebrations marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The exhibition is featuring 27 artworks in different mediums by 12 leading Bangladeshi painters. The exhibition is being held at Khulna Divisional Museum.
They are: Abdul Mannan, Md Muniruzzaman, Syeda Mahbuba Karim Mini, Quader Bhuiyan, Sanjib Das Apu, Kiriti Ranjan Biswas, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha, SM Mizanur Rahman, Md Zakir Hossain Pulok, Monjur Rashid, Sourav Chowdhury and Manik Bonik.
At the exhibition, Bangabandhu has been depicted in different ways by the artists. Most of the painters have portrayed his contemplative face or jovial mood. Some have also painted his political, social and familial lives.
Painters have captured his intense eyes and introspective mood on their canvases. They have captured the spirit of Bangabandhu in his most outspoken moments as well, and have worked with different mediums and techniques like oil, acrylic, soft pastel, denim and mixed media.
Most of the paintings have been inspired by photographs of the iconic figure.
Talukdar Abdul Khaleque, mayor of Khulna City Corporation, was present as chief guest at the inauguration. He expressed his deep appreciation towards the exhibition and hoped it would encourage people to know more about Bangabandhu.
"We all know about the contributions of Bangabandhu in attaining the independence of Bangladesh but many of the new generation do not know about his contributions as a statesman," he added.
"When Bangabandhu was freed from prison in Pakistan and returned to the war-torn country, there was no administrative structure; roads, schools and colleges were all in disarray. He then took up the challenge of rebuilding Bangladesh and in a very short period of time took various steps to revive the country's economy," the mayor said.
Rajesh Kumar Raina, assistant high commissioner of India, Khulna, presided over the inaugural ceremony.
He said after independence of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu not only focused on the people of his country but also concentrated on building a bridge between the neighbouring countries. He also emphasised on the special bond between India and Bangladesh.
Among others, Vice Chancellor of Khulna University Mohammad Fayek Uzzaman and District Council Chairman Sheikh Harunur Rashid were present at the event.