Winners of ‘City Islamic presents In search of Islamic Calligraphy’ announced

A prize-giving ceremony was organized yesterday to celebrate the winners of "City Islamic presents in search of Islamic Calligraphy", a calligraphy competition organized by Youth Opportunities, at the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka.

The competition was launched in the month of Ramadan with the aim to revive and promote the classical art of Islamic calligraphy and provide a platform for the youth of Bangladesh to showcase their talent in this form of art.

There were total of 700 plus submissions among which Md Mahmudul Hasan became champion and won a Dhaka - Istanbul - Dhaka flight ticket, a laptop, gift voucher, crest, and certificate.

Ms. Shamsunnahar Tasnim and Mr. Usama Haque were the first runner-up and second runner-up, who was awarded a laptop, gift voucher, crest, and certificate.

4th to 12th positions were also awarded gift vouchers, crests, and certificates. All the participants of the competition will receive an e-certificate.

HE Mr Mustafa Osman Turan, Honorable Ambassador, the Republic of Turkey in Dhaka was the chief guest of the program. Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Maroof, Additional Managing Director and CBO, the City Bank and Mr Kemal Burak Temizel, Deputy Head of Mission, the Republic of Turkey in Dhaka were the special guests. Mr Emrah Karaca, Country Manager of Turkish Airlines was the felicitator.

"I am very pleased to host the prize giving ceremony of the Calligraphy Competition titled City Islamic presents in search of Islamic Calligraphy, organized by the Youth Opportunities" said Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Dhaka HE Mr Mustafa Osman Turan. "Calligraphy is a traditional form of art in Türkiye. Artists, who participated in the competition demonstrated exceptional artistic skills and created invaluable work of calligraphy. I congratulate them" he added.

Additional Managing Director & CBO of the City Bank, Sheikh Mohammad Maroof mentioned "There are talented young calligraphers in Bangladesh who are looking for opportunities to exhibit their talent with the entire nation and beyond. Through this competition, we were hoping to find many such talented young artists, who will make global marks in years to come. And, we are glad that we could do so. City Islamic is pleased to be a part of this initiative."

Embassy of The Republic Of Türkiye in Dhaka, Turkish Airlines, The Daily Star and The Daily Samakal were the partners of this competition.

"I'm really pleased to see the deep interest of Bangladeshi youths in this field of art. During the Ottoman

Empire, Turkish Hat arts (traditional calligraphy) had its golden days in Türkiye. I hope the cultural bridge between Bangladesh and Türkiye will be stronger day by day with these precious initiatives", said Mr. Emrah Karaca, Country Manager of Turkish Airlines.

"Islamic calligraphy is a unique way to showcase creativity while promoting the values and message of Islam." said Makshudul Alom, CEO of Youth Opportunities. "Through this competition, we wanted to celebrate the young calligraphers of the country, and encourage the youth to learn and practice the art of calligraphy".