The World Bank has launched an exhibition, showcasing an inspiring collection of wall arts created by students and youths from across the country, reflecting their hopes and aspirations for a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Saturday (Nov 23) inaugurated the exhibition, titled "Paint The Sky, Make it Yours: Future Bangladesh in the eyes of the youth" at DrikPath Bhaban, Panthapath in the city. The exhibition features vibrant wall arts painted by students and youth across the country, highlighting their vision and the issues they consider important for the future of the country. The artworks come from 12 districts, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Chattogram, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, local media reported.
Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Adviser said it was a unique occasion and the power of art. "These are really very strong mediums to express. I remember the famous painter Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, the famine he depicted with a famous piece of art and he expressed everything," he said these were the things which moved everyone while the artworks were the most expressive.
Extending thanks to the World Bank for organizing such an event, Dr Salehuddin said, "Paint the Sky... to me sky is the best place to express your ideas, Sky is the medium of expression and its is the hope ....we look at the sky means things will reach to the sky and the message will go to everyone."
About the paintings of the students, he said the students have expressed very aptly adding, "You make the people aware of their duties and responsibilities."
Extending thanks to the high ups of Drik, the Finance Adviser suggested that a book can be published with the selected paintings and thus it can be given to the Chief Adviser. He also thanked those youths who painted these paintings saying that their parents would be more proud of.
Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan said, "The World Bank has always recognized the key role that youth play in shaping the present and the future. We're committed to empowering youth around the globe."
He said in an incredible and unprecedented way, and in the wake of unfathomable trauma and sacrifices, Bangladeshi students and youths have used their creativity and arts to communicate their vision for the country. "This exhibition showcases their concerns and priorities for the future, and it is important to listen to them," he added.
The World Bank Country Director said the title of the exhibition, 'Paint the sky, make it yours', taken from a wall art, reminds all of the unlimited potential of the young people to become change-makers.
Seck said in the turbulent months of July and August, the streets of Bangladesh echoed with the cries for justice and change. He said it was in the aftermath of this extraordinary movement that the youth and students channeled their energy and creativity into the beautiful wall arts around all.
The World Bank country director said the wall arts created by the youth and students of Bangladesh during this extraordinary movement are part of this rich tradition. "But what Bangladeshi youth did is also unique, and it stands tall.
Across the cities of Bangladesh, of which arts from 11 districts are displayed here, these young artists painted their visions of a new Bangladesh. The energy and creativity that emanate from these works are nothing short of inspiring," he added.
The World Bank Country Director said, "At the World Bank Group, we are hearing their voices, aspirations, and concerns. As a longstanding development partner of Bangladesh, the World Bank Group recognizes the pivotal role that youth play in shaping the present and the future." "The youth and students of Bangladesh have shown us that even in the face of adversity, we can paint the sky and make it ours," he added.
The exhibition is being held at DrikPath Bhaban, Panthapath in Dhaka, and will be open to the public from Nov 23 to Nov 30, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
At the opening ceremony, the Finance Adviser and the World Bank Country Director also launched a publication and a video.
The World Bank was among the first development partners to support Bangladesh following its independence. In the 50-year partnership, the World Bank has committed more about $44 billion in International Development Association (IDA) financing in the form of grants, interest-free loans, and concessional credits to help the country address its development priorities.
Currently, with nearly $16 billion in financing for 52 ongoing projects, Bangladesh has the largest IDA program globally. The World Bank is also Bangladesh's largest development partner.
