Observing the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organized a handful of programmes including exhibitions and cultural events on 28 September 2021.

The celebrations began with a national children's painting competition, which BSA hosted across the country.

Hundreds of children and teens from various educational institutions in Dhakaparticip ated in the painting competition at the National Art Gallery.

A month-long special exhibition based on the exclusive art camp titled "Sheikh Hasina: Bishwajoyi Nondito Neta'' which was participated by 75 renowned female painters and artists of the country featuring the life and works of PM Sheikh Hasina, was inaugurated by BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky at 5 pm at the National Art Gallery.

The month-long exhibition is open for everyone from 11 am to 8 pm till October 27. Visitors can explore the exhibition maintaining adequate health guidelines.

A book-launching ceremony was organized at the National Theatre Hall auditorium at 6:30 pm, as part of the celebration programmes. BSA DG Lucky unveiled the publication of the book titled "Manobotar Jononi Sheikh Hasina: Nibedito Pongktimala", which contains 75 selected poems written by 75 noted poets of the country.

Following the book-launching event, a special cultural night was held at the venue participated by renowned artists and performers. Singers Sabbir Zaman, Homayra Bashir, Ronti Das, Abu Bakar Siddiqui, Romana Islam, Shafi Mandal and BSA Baul team performed songs at the event.

BSA dance artistes showcased special dance performances and its acrobatic team enthralled the audiences with game shows, while poet Tarik Sujat and Jharna Rahman recited special poems dedicated to the Prime Minister.

Earlier, a 7-day online event including discussions and cultural programme was organized from September 20-26 at BSA's Facebook page and YouTube channel, featuring the life and activities of the Prime Minister.

Marking her birthday, more than 600 children and cultural activists across the country made a one-minute greeting video each, of which 75 videos have been posted on the academy's Facebook page and the rest will be phased out on the academy's Facebook page and YouTube channel, according to its Public Relations Officer Hasan Mahmud.