DHAKA, Dec 8, 2022 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government has taken initiative to flourish brilliance of the culturally talented people at the grassroots.

"We have taken measures to find out artful mind and flourish the knowledge and excellence of the people involved in cultural activities at the remote areas," she said.

The prime minister said this while virtually inaugurating the month-long 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh-2022 from her official Ganabhaban residence here.

She said her government is working tirelessly for socio-economic development of the people alongside flourishing their artful mind.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has always supported promoting Bengali language, culture, drama, film and creativity at the grassroots.

Briefly describing her government measures for the development of Bangladesh's cultural sector, she said they have built new buildings at the Shilpakala Academy across the country alongside constructing national theater, experimental theater, studio theater, auditorium of songs and dramas and fine arts.

Works are underway to build three more auditoriums, she said

She also said her government prepared a master plan for the development of Shilpakala Academy after assuming power in 1996.

The premier said her government has built Shilpakala Academy in 493 upazilas alongside constructing its new building in 64 districts which is the manifestation that they want to reach cultural activities to the grassroots.

She said they have taken the initiatives mainly to preserve and display local and foreign artworks in the academies.

Alongside preserving those, arts, music, dance, drama film, traditional folk music or folk culture festivals are also being organised in the academies, she said.

"The government is doing everything possible to develop our own culture," she added.

The month-long exhibition is being held at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy till January 7.

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) under patronisation of Cultural Affairs Ministry is organising it.

A total of 649 artworks of some 493 artists from 114 countries including Bangladesh are being displayed at the exhibition.

The honorary award was conferred on six artists, while the grand award on three others on the occasion.

President of the jury board of the event artist Rafiqun Nabi announced the name of the awardees.

On behalf of the premier, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid handed over the awards to the recipients.

KM Khalid chaired the inaugural ceremony while Cultural Affairs secretary Md Abul Monsur, jury board member and noted Polish art critic Jaroslaw Suchan, BSA director general and chief coordinator of 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh-2022 Liaquat Ali Lucky, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the prime minister released commemorative postage stamp marking the opening of 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh-2022.