A three-day art exhibition titled ‘Art for Equality’ opened on Wednesday at the Dhaka University, showcasing artworks that explore equality and social justice through visual expression.
The Department of Art History, Faculty of Fine Art, organised the exhibition. Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Dhaka University, inaugurated it as the chief guest.
Dr Shake Manir Uddin, curator of the exhibition and chairman of the department, presided over the ceremony. Sanjoy Kumar Dey, associate curator and assistant professor, delivered the welcome remarks and explained the objectives.
Joris van Bommel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, joined as a special guest.
Meanwhile, Shabnam Mustari, additional secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and Professor Dr Md Abdus Sattar, honorary professor of the Department of Oriental Art, DU, also joined the event.
In addition, Professor A A M Kaoser Hassan, acting dean of the Faculty of Fine Art, Kabita Bose of Plan International Bangladesh, and Korvi Rakshand of JAAGO Foundation Trust attended the inauguration.
The exhibition features 90 artworks by faculty members, students, young artists and renowned artists. The participants represent nine public and private universities.
Artists submitted 53 artworks for competitive selection. The exhibition displays 37 works by established artists as non-competitive entries.
Plan International Bangladesh and JAAGO Foundation Trust are jointly organising the exhibition. It is part of the four-year project Shomotay Tarunno – Youth for Equality. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is providing financial support.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan called the initiative a commendable effort. He said it connects multiple universities and strengthens international collaboration.
Ambassador Joris van Bommel highlighted the power of equality, youth and art. He said these forces can communicate messages of justice and inclusion effectively.
Shabnam Mustari said the artworks reflect social realities. She suggested expanding similar initiatives to rural areas by engaging grassroots-level artists and children. Other speakers stressed the role of art in shaping social mindsets and dialogue.
The exhibition will remain open from January 21 to 23. Visitors can attend daily from 9:00am to 7:30pm.
The organisers will hold three day-long thematic seminars on Thursday (January 22). Faculty members, students, artists and researchers will take part.
At the inauguration, the organisers awarded crests to artists of the top 10 artworks. They also handed certificates to all participating artists.
