The World Bank on Saturday launched a wall arts exhibition based on graffiti created by students and youths during the July-August uprising, reflecting their hopes and aspirations for a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh.
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed inaugurated the exhibition titled "Paint Your Sky, Make it Yours: Future Bangladesh in the Eyes of the Youth", explaining the power of art works only an expressive one of which could move everyone.
The paintings displayed at the show, arranged at the DrikPath Bhaban at Panthapath in the capital, came from 12 districts, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Chattogram, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban.
Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Adviser said that the exhibition is a unique occasion and the power of art. A painting could carry a message deeper than the writings of over 100 pages, he added.
"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.
He said that the students have expressed very aptly and they made the people aware of their duties and responsibilities.
World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck said the World Bank has always recognised the role that youth play in shaping the present and future, and expressed the bank's commitment to empowering youth around the globe.
He said that Bangladeshi students and youths have used their creativity and arts to communicate their vision for the country in an incredible and unprecedented way and in the wake of unfathomable trauma and sacrifices.
The 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 wall arts created by the youth and students of Bangladesh during this extraordinary movement are part of this rich tradition.
The exhibition remains open to the public from 3pm to 8 pm everyday from November 23-30, 2024.
At the opening ceremony, the Finance Adviser and the World Bank Country Director also launched a publication and a video.
jahid.rn@gmail.com