People imbued with Liberation War's spirit will pull Bangladesh ahead: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated her call to everyone to be vigilant against distortion of the victory of the War of Liberation, saying the people of Bangladesh, motivated by the spirit of the War of Liberation, will continue to pull the country forward in the future.

"The painting of an artist can be understood with the heart and simultaneously one can be motivated by being imbued with patriotism and a spirit of consciousness is awakened," she said.

"The spirit of the great War of Liberation is very important for us, as people of Bangladesh will get awakened with that spirit, and they will pull the country forward further in the future with the ideals of the Liberation War," she added.

The Premier made these remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of a special art exhibition titled "1973-2023 Retrospective" with the selected paintings of Independence Award-winning and internationally-acclaimed artist and valiant freedom fighter Shahabuddin Ahmed at Bangladesh National Museum in the city's Shahbagh.

Some 140 selected artworks painted by internationally renowned Bangladeshi painter Shahabuddin Ahmed are being displayed in the month-long exhibition.

Bangabandhu's youngest daughter, Sheikh Rehana, was present at the inaugural ceremony.

Terming the exhibition of Shahabuddin Ahmed's paintings as very significant, Sheikh Hasina said that it is highlighting the nature of Bangladesh, the state of the country's people, and the spirit of the War of Liberation in front of the people, especially the youths of Bangladesh.

Through this exhibition, people will get an opportunity to perceive many of his rare paintings, apart from knowing the feelings of the artist about patriotism as well as the War of Liberation, she added.

She continued, "And I think the War of Liberation and the victory of the War of Liberation are very important in our national life."

Wishing the month-long exhibition a success, she said, "Shahabuddin was a freedom fighter and it seems that he is still a freedom fighter, as his artworks are reflecting the thought and spirit of the War of Liberation, which inspires me more."

The Premier extended her gratitude to Shahabuddin Ahmed as he has brought honour for Bangladesh from across the world through his artwork and paintings.

Earlier, the Prime Minister opened the retrospective exhibition by cutting a ribbon. She also visited the paintings being displayed at the exhibition.

At the function, the Prime Minister also unveiled the cover of a book titled "Shahabuddin, A Retrospective 1973-2023."

With State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid in the chair, Bangladesh National Museum Director General Md. Kamruzzaman delivered the welcome speech.

President of the Board of Trustees of Bangladesh National Museum Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed, Painter Shahabuddin Ahmed and French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy also spoke on the occasion.