DHAKA, Dec 31, 2023 (BSS) -December 29 was the 108th birth anniversary of

Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, the pioneer of country's art education.

In 1948, Abedin established 'Government Institute of Art', country's first
ever institute for studying arts at 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.

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 event today, a special seminar will be held to
mark the 75th anniversary of the institute at 2:30pm at the campus premises.

At the ceremony, Professor Abul Monsur will deliver Zainul Memorial
speech.The keynote speech will be presented by Researcher Sampurna
Chakraborty.

Earlier on December 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 .

The three-day fair is scheduled conclude at 7pm today.