Dec 29 was the 108th birth anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, the pioneer of the country's art education. In 1948, Zainul Abedin established 'Government Institute of Art', the country's first ever institute for studying arts at the Dhaka University campus with a vision to let the folk arts of Bangladesh flourish through the youngsters from generation to generations. Later in 1963, the institute merged with Dhaka University, and was turned into Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola) in 2008.
To mark the birth anniversary of its founder and first principal, the institute held a three-day celebratory fair titled as 'Zainul Utsab, 2023' at the campus premises, local media reported.
Apart from stalls allocated for the faculty students displaying their handmade goods, the fair showcased GI certificated sheetalpati from Moulavibazar, handmade clay dolls known as 'Tepa Putul' from Manikganj, wooden figures from Sonargaon, 'Pattachitra' from Rajshahi, Rangpur's Shataranji, Bandarban's waist-loom products and lots more.
Abstract art and painting exhibition along with bioscope show and folk song arrangements enhanced the merry ambience of the event even more.
To mark the last day of the three-day event on Sunday (Dec 31), a special seminar was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the institute at 2:30 p.m. at the campus premises. At the ceremony, Professor Abul Monsur delivered Zainul Memorial speech. The keynote speech was presented by Researcher Sampurna Chakraborty.
Earlier on Dec 29, the 'Zainul Utsab, 2023' was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal. Emeritus Professor Artist Hashem Khan and Emeritus Professor Artist Rafiqun Nabi handed over this year's 'Zainul Honorary Award's to the artists – Kazi Giyas Uddin and Abdus Sattar during the ceremony.
Fine Arts student Supriya Kumar Ghosh was awarded the 'Zainul Swarna Padak' for the best artwork this year.
A brief yet warm inaugural cultural function was held at Bokultola ground.
