Art folio chronicling the history of Bengal

(Left) “Language Movement” by Hashem Khan, (top right)“Tebhaga Movement” by Samarjit Roy Chowdhury and (bottom right)“Nuraldin’s Rebellion” by Iftikhar Uddin Ahmed

Recently Mutual Trust Bank Ltd. has launched a folio, titled “Our Liberation War: Down the Path of History.” The folio is a collection of reproductions of artworks by 12 renowned Bangladeshi painters -- Qayyum Chowdhury, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Hashem Khan, Rafiqun Nabi, Farida Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, Mohammad Eunus, Tarun Ghosh, Sheikh Afzal Hossain, Shishir Bhattacharjee, Nisar Hossain and Iftikhar Uddin Ahmed.
The paintings depict defining moments in the history of Bengal, including The Battle of Plassey, Indigo Revolt, Farayezi Movement, Nuruldin's Rebellion, Uprising of the Fakirs, Surja Sen's Armed Rebellion, Nankar Movement, Tonk Movement, Tebhaga Movement, Language Movement (1952), Mass Upsurge (1969) and Liberation War (1971). The themes are very close to the hearts of Bengalis and the nation draws courage and inspiration from these historical events.
Anis A Khan, managing director and CEO, Mutual Trust Bank Ltd. said, “The youngsters must know the true history of our nation, the movements and revolutions that had shaped the Bangladesh we see today. The bank has donated 1,000 copies of the folio to the Liberation War Museum in this regard. ” Khan believes that initiatives like this can play a crucial role in generating interest in our national history. He said that Mutual Trust Bank Ltd would continue such projects in the interest of the nation, in addition to its banking business.
The folio can definitely be considered a prized collection. All the painters are well recognised and have been contributing to Bangladeshi art for a long time. The paintings have a distinct touch of realism and clearly focus on the historical episodes over the ages. Bengali patriotism, valour, passion, hopes and aspirations have been articulated with unique brushstrokes and skilful use of colours. The paintings are vibrant and bold. Most highlight figure compositions and the characters' dynamism. Most importantly, all of these paintings emphasise the sentiments of the masses and undying love for the motherland.