Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the government is taking measures to develop and promote the grassroots arts and culture.
“We’re taking steps to flourish and present the art thoughts, knowledge and capacity of the grassroots cultural-minded community before the people of the country by setting up Shilpakala academy throughout the country,” she said.
She launched the month-long art extravaganza through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Hasina said her government has been promoting the country's languages, culture, artworks, drama, film and creativity.
Since the formation of the Bangladesh Awami League government in 1996, her government has prepared a master plan for the development of Shilpakala Academy, she said.
The PM said the government has constructed new buildings of Shilpakala Academy in 64 districts. Shilpakala Academy has been set up in 493 upazilas, which means the government wants to take the services for raising cultural activities to the people at the grassroots level.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised the exhibition in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The art show includes 649 pieces of art created by 493 artists from 114 nations, including 149 Bangladeshi artists.
Six artists were conferred with honorary award, while three others with the grand award. President of the jury board of the event artist Rafiqun Nabi announced the names of the awardees.
On behalf of the PM, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid handed over the awards to the recipients.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Monsur, noted Polish art critic Jaroslaw Suchan, BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, among others, spoke at the inaugural session.
Earlier, the Prime Minister released a commemorative postage stamp, a first-day cover and a data card on the occasion of the 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh.
The exhibition will continue till January 7.
This 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 is dedicated to the country’s founding President and the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
