The 25th edition of the National Art Exhibition began on Sunday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA)’s National Art Gallery, returning to its full normalcy after being held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.
Known as one of the most vividly celebrated art exhibitions of the country and one of the flagship artistic ventures of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) since 1975, this year’s National Art Exhibition is featuring 301 artworks by 261 artists from across the country.
On Sunday evening, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest at the National Art Gallery auditorium. Independence Award-winning eminent artist Hashem Khan, artist Abdul Mannan, artist Monirul Islam and Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed were present as special guests at the inaugural ceremony.
BSA's Director of Fine Arts Syeda Mahbuba Karim delivered the welcome speech and the inauguration ceremony was chaired by BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, while BSA Salahuddin Ahmed delivered the vote of thanks.
“This year is culturally significant for our country, as our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was awarded the prestigious Joliot-Curie medal on May 23, 1973, and that brings us the 50th year celebration of that honour. At the same time, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the prestigious National Art Exhibition, and it is overwhelming to see all these captivating artworks from the talented, majestic artists of our country,” KM Khalid said at the event.