National Theatre Hall
11 Sep, 2018
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On 11 September 2018, the National Theatre Hall at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, came alive to celebrate the 69th birthday of the legendary painter and freedom fighter Shahabuddin Ahmed. Organised by the National Committee for Shahabuddin Ahmed’s Birthday Celebration in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and supported by Gallery Cosmos, Faculty of Fine Arts (University of Dhaka), Annyo Prokash, Gallery Chitrak, and ARTCON, the celebration highlighted the artist’s profound impact on Bangladeshi art and cultural history. The festivities began with an artist camp and children’s drawing competition at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, where prominent Bangladeshi artists participated and young talents were encouraged to engage creatively with the legacy of Shahabuddin Ahmed. The evening programme at the National Theatre Hall featured birthday felicitations, discussions, and the distribution of awards and certificates to the children. Exhibitions included portraits of Shahabuddin by twelve eminent artists and photographs documenting his life and work, offering a vibrant retrospective of his visual legacy. Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, graced the occasion as chief guest, while National Professor Anisuzzaman presided. A documentary on Shahabuddin’s life and creative journey, filmed by Indian journalist Ajoy Roy, was also screened. In his remarks, Shahabuddin Ahmed reflected on his dual identity as a freedom fighter and artist, emphasizing artistic freedom and expressing gratitude for the recognition he has received both in Bangladesh and abroad. ARTCON contributed by designing and producing invitation cards, posters, and banners, coordinating sponsors, and curating the photography exhibition, serving as a key organisational hub. The event reaffirmed Shahabuddin Ahmed’s status as a national treasure, celebrating his enduring legacy and influence on both Bangladeshi and international art.
