In honour of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on the eve of National Mourning Day, Gallery Cosmos organised a two-day exclusive watercolour art camp titled "Splendours of Bangladesh" from Saturday at the capital's Cosmos Centre.

A total of 25 artworks were created at this unique art camp, participated by six young and talented Bangladeshi painters - Abdullah Al Bashir, Azmol Hosen, Kamruzzoha, Sadek Ahmed, Shahnoor Mamun and Surovi Akter.

At the prestigious art camp, the artists displayed their brilliance through their marvelous watercolour paintings on the theme of Bangabandhu's iconic life and visionary works on the inaugural day.

The artists continued their watercolour journey by portraying the country's distinct nature and picturesque beauty, featuring the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world; Cox's Bazar, the longest natural sea beach in the world; and the monumental architecture such as the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, National Martyrs Memorial, Shaheed Minar, Buriganga river, Panam City, Kantajiu Temple, Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, Shat Gambuj Mosque, Ahsan Manzil and more.

These paintings will be included in an exclusive book which is set to be a special publication of Cosmos Books, the reputed publication wing of Cosmos Foundation. The book is titled "A Tale of Two Nations" which will elaborate on the mutual and cordial relationship between Bangladesh and Singapore, the two states that seceded from Pakistan and Malaysia respectively due to decolonisation, and both faced challenges in creating viable economies, integrating diverse populations, and defending their borders and interests in a world where great and middle powers compete.

Eminent Bangladeshi entrepreneur, author, journalist and patron of the arts Enayetullah Khan, who has built a global Bangladeshi conglomerate from scratch and as a journalist has covered global affairs and personalities closely, shared his thoughts on the economic, political, and strategic trajectories of Bangladesh and Singapore - presenting an in-depth and vividly readable analysis in the book. He was present on the inaugural day of the art camp and lauded the artists for their artistic tributes to the Father of the Nation and his cherished 'Shonar Bangla'.

Abdullah Al Bashir, one of the six participating artists at the art camp, shared his excitement with UNB over the art camp's planning. "Cosmos Group always takes various initiatives to promote young painters in our country, and the selection of the theme and other topics for this exclusive art camp is unquestionably outstanding. Such measures, in my opinion, will ease the paths of the artists."

Artist Kamruzzoha, another participant in the "Splendors of Bangladesh" art camp, stated, "Gallery Cosmos makes us feel at home and their efforts are always unique in terms of quality. Our sincere appreciation to those involved in this effort."

Sharing the vision behind the camp, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury told UNB that the gallery is honoured to pay its tribute to Bangabandhu and his envisioned Bangladesh. "This has been an emotional project for us as well, as we conducted this on the eve of the National Mourning Day, recalling our great Father of the Nation. The topics our artists have covered this time, especially focusing on Bangabandhu and also the exceptional beauty of Bangladesh, increased the relevance of the art camp - and we are also excited about this exclusive publication from Cosmos Books."