Bangladesh Heritage Foundation

Message from Curator

The first exhibition of its kind was held in Kathmandu (Nepal) in Feb. 2007, through the initiation by Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmed. Artists from 11 countries participated in that show. Then, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh started its own gallery at Nimtali through an exhibition of 9 countries in February 2008. Professor Sirajul Islam, Professor Sajahan Miah, Professor Mahfuza Khanam & Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan were the key persons for whom it was possible. The 3rd of it’s kind, is the most illustrious among three. This is for the first time we could exhibit original lithographs of Salvador Dali & Andre Derrain. Besides, German maestro Ernst Siedl for the first time was displayed in Bangladesh.

The idea of celebrating Mother Language Day by exhibiting fine-arts, first came from Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmed. He always believes that artists are the main communicators of the society. The most glorious event of Bangladesh is its language movement, which was recognized by the United Nations on 14th November 1999. United Nations recognized this event in it’s 30th conference. Till then, 21st February is celebrated around the world as the International Mother Language Day. The bill was passed unanimously. We are proud that 4 among the 28 countries; Italy, India, Malaysia & Honduras participated in this show.

Inclusion of Salvador Dali is the most colorful part of the show. Besides, artists from different countries, who have paid their profound regards to our language movement, by sending their art works for exhibiting in this unique show – must be treated as friends of Bangladesh.

In this connection, Bangladesh Heritage Foundation and Bangladesh Research and Publications Ltd. paying their utmost tribute to the language Martyrs of 1952.

We are also thankful to Barrister M. Aminul Islam (Honorary Secretary, BILIA) for his kindness to offer us the auditorium for the exhibition, Freedom Fighters Ambassador Wali-ur Rahman and Major ASM Shamsul Arefin for valuable advices, Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui for inaugurating the show as Chief Guest, Professor Nazrul Islam for writing the critique & Professor Shahruk Rahman for all the wishes and supports.

Rafique Sulayman
Curator, International Mother Language Day Art Exhibition 2009.
Member, Bangladesh Heritage Foundation.
Member, IUOMA Holland