Colour, brush, and painting are integral to the life of Ekushey Padak recipient Hashem Khan. Since 1959, each of his paintings has served as a document of significant events in Bangladesh.
While the liberation war remains the central theme of his work, Hashem Khan has also captured the tragedy of the Rayer Bazar massacre on December 14, the devastation of Cyclone Aila, and the extraordinary lives of ordinary village women.
His artistry extends beyond canvases to book covers, sculptures, and murals.
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) unveiled an album featuring 220 artworks by the renowned artist Hashem Khan.
The unveiling event was held at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium of the National Museum on Saturday.
The album cover titled “Painting, Sculpture, and Drawings 1956-2023” was unveiled under the title “Srijan Guneen Hashem Khan”, featuring replicas of 220 selected paintings by Hashem Khan.
A documentary showcasing his paintings was shown before the unveiling.
The event was chaired by Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, adviser to the prime minister for education and cultural affairs, and Naheed Ezaher Khan, state minister of cultural affairs.
Special guests include Asaduzzaman Noor, chairman of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mofidul Hoque, founder trustee of the Bangladesh Liberation War Museum, Luva Nahid Choudhury, director general of the Bengal Foundation, and Md Mahbub ur Rahman, CEO of HSBC.
Adviser to the Prime Minister for Education and Cultural Affairs Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury said: "Hashem Khan's artwork predominantly features the essence of the country. His creations are largely centred around national themes, showcasing Bangladesh on the global stage."
State Minister of Cultural Affairs Naheed Ezaher Khan said: "Hashem Khan's drawings have given children the chance to learn about the six seasons. His artwork on textbook covers and calendar pages was a highlight of our childhood. We hope to provide more opportunities for artists like Hashem Khan to thrive. As children, we eagerly anticipated his drawings, which introduced us to the six seasons through his pictures."
Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Noor said: "Many people have left this field for the sake of livelihood, but Hashem Khan has remained steadfast from the beginning. His unwavering dedication to his goal is evident in his paintings, reflecting his life philosophy."
Director General of Bengal Foundation Luva Nahid Choudhury said: "Artists like Hashem Khan are a valuable asset to Bangladesh. He is a pioneer for future generations."
Founder Trustee of the Bangladesh Liberation War Museum Mofidul Hoque commented: "Hashem Khan's paintings depict key events such as the six-point movement and the liberation war. He revived the watercolour painting tradition in the country, a legacy that continues today."
HSBC's Chief Executive Officer Md Mahbub ur Rahman said: "HSBC is honoured to be associated with the publication of Hashem Khan's selected artworks. We hope to follow this with a solo exhibition of his work later this year. Hashem Khan's diverse body of work has greatly influenced Bangladesh's cultural heritage. This collaboration highlights the power of art to unite communities and inspire future generations."
In this regard, Hashem Khan said: "When we began painting, there was no future for artists. Seeing the works of Zainul Abedin and Kamrul Hasan being preserved inspired me to seek the same for my own. Art has progressed significantly since then, with many fine arts institutes emerging. However, there's still a long way to go. Culture is often neglected in Bangladesh, and funding for it is minimal. It doesn't receive the importance it deserves."
Expressing gratitude to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Hashem Khan said: "Creating a painting is challenging, but preserving them is an even bigger challenge. I had always wanted to preserve my paintings and establish a museum, but that was not possible. Having an album of my paintings published at this stage of my life is immensely gratifying. I extend my thanks and appreciation to HSBC and its executives for their support."
The ceremony, featuring performances by Rabindra musician Aditi Mohsin, blended art and cultural presentations, creating a harmonious symphony that resonated with the audience.
Hashem Khan, an eminent painter, was born in Sekdi village of Faridganj upazila in Chandpur district in 1941. His education began at Munshibari Primary School and continued at Chandra Imam Ali High School and College in Faridganj upazila in 1949. He later attended Hasan Ali High School in Chandpur, where he completed his matriculation in 1956.
Pursuing his passion for art, he enrolled at the Government Art College (now the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka) and graduated with a first-class bachelor's degree in painting in 1961.
From 1961-63, he was a research scholar in pottery, supported by a scholarship from the Asia Foundation. During this period, he became involved in the Bengali independence movement, designing posters, stages, and banners for the Awami League. The theme of the 1971 Liberation War prominently features in his work.
Hashem Khan served on the jury board and expert committee for the implementation of the “Freedom Pillar” at Suhrawardy Udyan. He is a lifetime member of Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, and Shishu Academy. He has authored several books on art and the liberation war and has been recognized 15 times by the National Book Centre as the best artist in book illustration (cover and illustration).
He received the Agrani Bank Children's Literature Award three times and his illustrated book won an award at the 1997 International Book Fair. Hashem Khan received the Ekushey Padak in 1992 and the Independence Day Award in 2011. He continues to work as a freelance artist and social activist.
