Tribute to Bangabandhu

The exhibition, inaugurated by the academy’s director general Liaquat Ali Lucky on August 1, was organised as part of the academy’s month-long initiatives to commemorate Rahman’s 41st death anniversary. All accredited by the academy, a total of 150 artworks by 148 artists have featured on display. Among the participating artists are Biren Shome, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Sheikh Afzal, Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash, Alokesh Ghosh, Abdul Mannan, Nasreen Begum, Bhaskar Rasha, Afroza Jamil Konka and Pradyut Kumar Das. Figurative portraits of Bangabandhu mostly dominate the collection of artworks, while several make indirect references to him through artistic associations. For instance, Bangabandhu’s spectacles and smoking pipe have appeared on several canvases as a suggestive tone to his cult status. Some semi-abstract artworks are also featured. An acrylic painting by Biren Shome, titled Bangabandhu, is noticeable for its attention to detail, while Alamgir Hossain’s work focuses on his easily traceable specs. Artist Pradyut Kumar Das’s multimedia installation, encompassing fabrics, light, photographs and other materials, would surely capture the attention of spectators. The black and red fabrics used in the work hints at the tragedy that befell Rahman on August 15, 1975. In addition to the exhibition, BSA’s month-long program also includes a children’s art exhibition, cultural shows, poetry recitations and film screenings. A discussion on Bangabandhu and several cultural programs will be held at the National Theatre Hall on August 15 and 16. Films based on the life of Bangabandhu will be showcased at the National Art Gallery from August 15 to 17. On August 19, a lecture workshop and an exhibition of books on Bangabandhu will take place at the academy’s library. A discussion titled “Bangabandhu and World Peace” will be held on August 26 at the Studio Theatre Hall of BSA. On August 28, a reading program of The Unfinished Memoirs, the autobiography of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, will be held at the National Art Gallery Auditorium. Lastly, a total of 15 stagings of a play titled Mujib Mane Mukti will take place throughout the country, all arranged by the academy and organised by Liaquat Ali Lucky.