Dhaka, June 26, 2026:
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s National Art Gallery hosted the concluding day of the art exhibition titled “The Struggle for Rights”, which was visited by Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, State Minister for the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. He warmly welcomed this unique initiative that artistically portrays more than seven decades of Bangladesh’s struggle for democratic rights, spanning from 1952 to 2024.
Following the exhibition tour, State Minister Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin met with young artists during an exchange of views session. He stated that over the past 17 years, the “fascist government” had deprived young people of opportunities to fully experience and engage with the arts. He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed significant importance on sports, culture, artistic activities, and creative practice.
He expressed hope that Bangladesh’s youth would be enlightened by the values of art and culture, adding that their artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s indomitable courage and spirit of sacrifice. “Fine arts are the mirror of a nation’s civilization,” he said. “The brighter that mirror shines in Bangladesh, the more this nation will be able to recognize and rediscover itself.”
During his remarks, the State Minister recalled the country’s long history of state patronage for arts and culture, saying that the late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had always played leading roles in promoting healthy and progressive artistic and cultural development in Bangladesh.
Continuing that legacy, he said, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has introduced special recognition and honors for artists and cultural practitioners for their contributions to nation-building, which has further encouraged and inspired the country’s artistic community.
Barrister Mir Helal extended his heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to every young artist who contributed to the exhibition. During his visit to the gallery, he also held detailed discussions on the future of artistic practice in Bangladesh with the exhibition’s chief coordinator and organizer, Benazir Ahmed, who serves as Joint Organizing Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as with the participating young artists.
