‘Zainul Utshab 2019’ underway at DU

Zainul Utshab 2019 is currently underway at the premises of Faculty of Fine Art (FFA), University of Dhaka (DU), marking the 105th birth anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, the pioneer of the art education movement in Bangladesh. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni graced the occasion as the chief guest.

As previous years, the authority of FFA, DU, conferred the Zainul Shommanona to eminent artists and art educators at the event. This year, two prominent Bangladeshi artists, eminent sculptor Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan and Professor Mahmudul Haque, and an eminent Indian artist Professor Dr Janak Jhankar Narzary received the Zainul Shommanona.

Helal Hossain, a fourth-year student of the Department of Drawing and Painting, FFA, DU, bagged the Zainul Gold Medal at the inaugural ceremony. Dr Dipu Moni handed over awards to the recipients.

Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman, Vice Chancellor of DU, Professor Dr Muhammad Samad, a renowned poet and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of DU and engineer Mainul Abedin, son of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, attended the opening ceremony as special guests, among others.

Professor Nisar Hossain, renowned artist and Dean of FFA, DU, presided over the programme. Following the formal opening ceremony, the guests and the organisers inaugurated the permanent art gallery adjacent to the Dean’s office in FFA, DU.

The FFA authority has been arranging the festival annually since 2009. The event, which includes several exclusive seminars every day, will conclude on December 31. The event features an exhibition of artworks by eminent artists, teachers and students of FFA, DU.

The Zainul Mela is simultaneously going on at the FFA premises where all the departments of the faculty are selling artworks. Local artisans are also selling their handmade crafts at the fair.

The opening day was marked by a cultural programme, held at Bakultola, where students, teachers, alumni and a several popular bands, including Joler Gaan, performed. Some folk and cultural troupes will also perform at Bakultola every day throughout the festival.