Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen stated on Saturday that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emphasized the establishment of peace as a prerequisite for development, following the groundbreaking foreign policy of "friendship with all, enmity with none."

"Bangabandhu highlighted the need of establishing peace as a necessity for prosperity throughout his life, and following his footsteps, we have been advocating a peace culture in many international forums for the benefit of disadvantaged people against prejudice, conflict, and violence," Dr Momen said while inaugurating the Microtopia International Art Fest 2021-22 at Gallery Chitrak, Dhanmondi in the capital.

Emphasizing the importance of art in society, he said that the language of art is universal.

"People all over the world have different languages, different religions and different political ideologies, but the unique language of art is able to reach the hearts of all kinds of spectators by overcoming all the barriers of human-to-human communication," he added.

Lauding the organizers, Dr Momen said that art is a significant medium of fostering human connection, nurturing a culture of world peace, fighting against exploitation and hardship, and celebrating humanity's achievement - all of which are offered to all people, regardless of religion or caste.

Noted artist Professor Shishir Bhattacharjee joined the opening ceremony as the special guest, while eminent artist Professor Rafiqun Nabi presided over the ceremony.

The 12-day exhibition, jointly organized by Gallery Chitrak and Chittagong Art Club, is showcasing a total of 250 paintings by 145 artists from 21 countries: Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Canada, Cuba, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Nepal, Poland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Taiwan, USA, India and Bangladesh.

Miniature artworks of many renowned artists from home and abroad such as Martin Baines of Belgium, Anna Rozanaska of Poland, Ajit Sheel of India and many legendary artists of Bangladesh including 'Potua' Quamrul Hassan, Safiuddin Ahmed, Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam, Kanak Chanpa Chakma and many more, are being showcased in the exhibition.

The exhibition will continue till March 31, every day from 10 am to 8 pm.