Bangladesh, a riverine land on the world's map located in the northeastern part of South Asia, is known for its scenic beauty, picturesque landscape, glorious heritage and brave inhabitants. Unfortunately, the country has recently been affected by one of the most devastating floods in history. This recent flood attack in eastern Bangladesh has been catastrophic, claiming over 70 lives and affecting more than 5.5 million people across 11 districts - Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur, and Cox's Bazar. In areas such as Cumilla and Feni, the flooding has been described as the most severe in living memory. The disaster has devastated low-income families and farmers, who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to extensive crop damage. At present, over 600,000 people remain isolated by the floodwaters.

Many public and private organizations have since stepped forward to provide financial and other necessary assistance for the flood victims. In continuation to that, a special group art exhibition titled 'Art for Aid: Rebuilding Lives' began Thursday at Gallery Cosmos, showcasing its heartfelt support towards the flood-stricken people.

The month-long exhibition was inaugurated at the Gallery Cosmos on Thursday morning, aiming to raise funds for the flood victims. All sales proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to flood relief.

This special group art exhibition is featuring some of the unique and special artworks of 24 prominent and young Bangladeshi artists - Kalidas Karmakar, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Biren Shome, Alakesh Ghosh, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Farida Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, Rokeya Sultana, Shishir Bhattacharjee, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Sheikh Afzal Hossain, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Mohammad Iqbal, Anukul Mazumder, Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, Nazia Andaleeb Preema, Azmeer Hossain, Bishwajit Goswami, Abdullah Al Bashir, Sourav Chowdhury, Kamruzzoha, Shahanoor Mamun and Arif Bachchu.

The inauguration ceremony of the exhibition on Thursday was joined by Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, freedom fighter and eminent artist Biren Shome, eminent photojournalist and artist Nasir Ali Mamun, Ekushey Padak-winning eminent Bangladeshi artist and art maestro Farida Zaman, prominent artist-art educator Bishwajit Goswami, renowned young painter Shahanoor Mamun, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury and others.

"Art is an everlasting medium that can heal us during turbulent times. As our country is currently facing the havoc of this devastating flood, we initiated this unique exhibition featuring some of the most prominent and promising artists in our country, to generate funds from the artwork sales which will be donated for the flood victims; and as the art connoisseurs, we always got support from these magnificent artists whenever we initiated this kind of activity," Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet said at the event.

Gallery Cosmos Chairman Enayetullah Khan welcomed the visitors in this exhibition with open arms, as his message on the exhibition catalogue states: "Art plays a crucial role in combating despair and fostering hope. In this spirit, Gallery Cosmos has curated a collection featuring the works of Bangladesh's 24 leading contemporary artists. All proceeds from the sale of these artworks will be directed towards aiding the flood victims. We invite you to join us in this noble cause. Your participation and support will make a meaningful difference, underscoring the power of art to effect positive change."

Eminent artist and freedom fighter Biren Shome said, "Through events and creative endeavours, our artists can have a profound influence on society at pivotal moments. Gallery Cosmos has continuously carried out such significant endeavours and I'm happy to be a part of this special exhibition; thanks to the Gallery Cosmos Chairman Enayetullah Khan, Director Tehmina Enayet and the entire team."

Ekushey Padak-winning eminent Bangladeshi artist and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor Dr Farida Zaman said, "Over 5.5 million lives in 11 districts have been experiencing the havoc of the floods, and the aftermath is even more critical which needs the combined attention of our society. Artistic initiatives like this can surely assist to that, and we appreciate Gallery Cosmos for taking such initiative through exhibitions like this."

Another participating artist, Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Assistant Professor Bishwajit Goswami pointed out the inspiring role of youth in recent times, saying that everyone should learn from their insightful patriotic actions and come forward to help the flood-victims. Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury pointed out that Bishwajit Goswami specifically took time and made exclusive artworks to participate in the exhibition.

Eminent photojournalist Nasir Ali Mamun, who joined the exhibition's inaugural ceremony as a special visiting guest, said that the exhibition stands as a symbol of cultural unity after the recent reformation of the nation. "Gallery Cosmos, like its many other previous artistic initiatives - once again moved forward when this type of approach when something like this was much needed. I believe this challenging scenario also opened a new window to have a closer look on different artistic and cultural initiatives and how they can make people feel more connected and benefited in general," he said at the event.

Open to all, "Art for Aid: Rebuilding Lives" will continue at Gallery Cosmos, Cosmos Centre, 69/1 New Circular Road, Malibagh, Dhaka, till October 5, every day from 10 am to 5 pm.