Largest scroll painting of Father of the Nation displayed at National Museum

Commemorating the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Centenary Celebration, advertisement agency Mattra organised the event, 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib: Mohajibon Path', featuring the largest scroll painting of the Father of the Nation, by noted artist Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash.

As the chief guest, Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the event yesterday at the Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium of the National Museum.

The artwork will be displayed at the museum till May 18.

The programme was also attended by the Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee's chief coordinator of the committee Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, and the president of Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad, professor Jamal Uddin Ahmed, among others.

Kicking off with melodious Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth anniversary-based songs, a video of the 150 feet long painting, 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib: Mohajibon Path' in making, was screened.  

Painted with oil colour, Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash worked on the artwork between March 17, 2020, to May 18, 2021.

"I have tried to express the way I have accepted Bangabandhu in my heart through my painting," said Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash. "One day when we are no more, this painting would become a mark of our history for the future generations. That is why I tried to make it as long-lasting as possible."

"Just by looking at the painting one can tell how much Bikash loves Bangabandhu," said renowned artist Shahabuddin Ahmed. "This painting embodies our history in itself like a proof of the past. It goes without saying Bikash poured an immense amount of effort and heart into the painting."

"I have completed 143 feet of the painting and 7 more feet is still being drawn," revealed Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash. "When the painting is completed, it will represent the 50 years of freedom and history of Bangladesh."

At the end of the video came a small speech from Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury. "During the Liberation War, artists were also standing with Bangabandhu alongside students," shared Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury. "Bangabandhu is our inspiration for our local and traditional artworks."

Renowned artists Afzal Hossain, Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash and Education Minister Dipu Moni also expressed their thoughts with speeches at the event.

Towards the end, the Prime Minister shared a few words. "I cannot fathom the love and devotion towards the Father of the Nation needed to create such an artwork," she said.

"My father sacrificed his entire life for Bangladesh, to reward a better life for everyone. "Before his own life, opportunities, and family, he prioritised the nation."

"There have been many malicious attempts to erase his name from the annals of history, be it before the liberation or afterwards, but artistes made Bangabandhu immortal in their poems, songs, stories, and artworks," she concluded.