Commemorating the victims and their memories of the horrific grenade attack that took place on August 21, 2004, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised Muktijuddher Chetona Binashi Dhongshojoggo Sthapona Shilpo at the Nandan Moncho of BSA recently. The initiative was based on an idea developed by Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General, BSA, and later curated by artist Professor Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash.

The event was presided over by Liaquat Ali Lucky and inaugurated by K M Khalid, State Minister for Cultural Affairs.

The programme began after observing a moment of silence to honour the memories of the deceased victims of the August 21, 2004 grenade attack at Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka. This was followed by a welcome speech by Badrul Anam Bhuiyan, Director (Secretary), BSA. "Over 400 people were injured and 24 had lost their lives, including AL Women Affairs Secretary, Ivy Rahman. Luckily, our current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina managed to survive the attack," he said. "What shocks me the most is, the attack was held in broad daylight at a rally which was promoting anti-terrorism. Thinking of the incident still makes me tremble with fear."

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The welcome address was followed by a short introduction by artist Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash. "We are artists, and our only tool to express any emotion, be that joy or sorrow, is the stroke of our brush. Through this performance today, we only mean to express our sorrows," mentioned Shahjahan.

The performance started with young artists sketching on their canvases in a peaceful environment, unaware of the tragedy that awaited them. Suddenly, a number of grenades took over the stage and drops of red started raining all over the artists as the devastating incident ensued. The show ended with a portrait of Sheikh Hasina by Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash, where shewas seen in tears, staring at her promise of a golden nation.