The Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA) held its 16th Annual General Meeting and Grand Ikebana Display and Demonstration on Saturday at Alliance Française de Dhaka, in the city.
The programme brought together distinguished guests, members of the Bangladesh Ikebana Association, Ikebana practitioners, students, and individuals interested in Japanese culture and the traditional art of flower arrangement.
The programme began with a holy recitation, followed by a welcome address by Nasrin Mehdi Chowdhury, President of BIA.
One highlight of the event was an Ikebana demonstration by Shamsunnahar Hossain, Adviser and Past President of BIA, who showcased the aesthetic principles and artistic expression of Ikebana.
A special session featured a brief presentation on the history and journey of the Bangladesh Ikebana Association by Professor Dr. A.K.M. Moazzem Hussain, Founder of BIA. Established in 1973, the Bangladesh Ikebana Association has played a significant role in promoting Ikebana and Japanese culture in Bangladesh.
The programme also featured addresses by Mamunul Karim, Executive Director, Bengal Biscuits Limited; Professor Md. Jahangir Alam, Chairman, Department of Japanese Studies, University of Dhaka; and François Chambraud, Director, Alliance Française de Dhaka.
Distinguished guests presented certificates to successful students who completed BIA courses.
The programme also included the unveiling of a special BIA publication, marking another significant milestone for the association.
The formal stage programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Masud Karim, Life Patron and Honorary CEO of the Bangladesh Ikebana Association, followed by a group photograph of the distinguished guests and members.
The event concluded with the inauguration of the Grand Ikebana Display in the courtyard by the Director of Alliance Française.
Guests and visitors appreciated a diverse collection of Ikebana arrangements created by members and students of the Bangladesh Ikebana Association.
Through its activities, the Bangladesh Ikebana Association continues to promote appreciation of Ikebana as an art form while fostering cultural understanding, friendship, and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Japan.