The three-day art festival, Zainul Utsab 2024, ended on Sunday at the Faculty of Fine Art of Dhaka University, commemorating the 110th birth anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin.
The festival concluded with cultural performances and the Zainul Sammanana awards ceremony.
DU teachers and students paid tribute to the legendary artist by placing a floral wreath at his grave on the university campus in the morning. The award ceremony followed on the FFA premises.
DU vice-chancellor professor Niaz Ahmed Khan attended the event as chief guest. Pro-vice-chancellors professor Syama Haque Bidisha (administration) and professor Mamun Ahmed (education) and Shilpacharya鈥檚 son, Moinul Abedin, were present as special guests. The ceremony was chaired by FFA dean Azharul Islam Sheikh Chanchal.
Renowned artist Mizanur Rahim and art writer Rafiqul Alam were honoured with the Zainul Sammanana awards for their significant contributions to art and art education.
Artist Mizanur Rahim, a 1968 graduate of DU鈥檚 fine arts faculty, was a professor at Chittagong University from 1971 to 2010. He played a pivotal role in establishing CU鈥檚 fine arts department.
Rafiqul Alam, a former faculty member of DU鈥檚 history of art department, was represented by his wife, Sufia Akter, as he was unable to attend due to illness.
DU VC professor Niaz Ahmed Khan highlighted Zainul Abedin鈥檚 enduring influence on Bengali art and culture, stating, 鈥榃ithout experiencing Zainul Abedin鈥檚 works, one cannot fully embrace Bengali identity, as his art reflects our history, tradition, and humanity.鈥�
Mizanur Rahim expressed his gratitude, saying, 鈥楻eceiving this award fulfils my career as Zainul Abedin was my inspiration and guide during my student years.鈥�
The event also featured performances by FFA students, including songs, dances, and a fashion show. A vote of thanks was delivered by dean Azharul Islam Sheikh Chanchal.
Other highlights of the festival included a memorial lecture, a crafts fair, and an exhibition showcasing artworks by faculty members and students, which began on Friday.
The event concluded with an evening cultural show filled with vibrant performances.
