On 11 September 2018, the National Theatre Hall at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, came alive to celebrate the 69th birthday of the legendary painter and freedom fighter Shahabuddin Ahmed. Organised by the National Committee for Shahabuddin Ahmed’s Birthday Celebration in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and supported by Gallery Cosmos, Faculty of Fine Arts (University of Dhaka), Annyo Prokash, Gallery Chitrak, and ARTCON, the celebration highlighted the artist’s profound impact on Bangladeshi art and cultural history. The festivities began with an artist camp and children’s drawing competition at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, where prominent Bangladeshi artists participated and young talents were encouraged to engage creatively with the legacy of Shahabuddin Ahmed. The evening programme at the National Theatre Hall featured birthday felicitations, discussions, and the distribution of awards and certificates to the children. Exhibitions included portraits of Shahabuddin by twelve eminent artists and photographs documenting his life and work, offering a vibrant retrospective of his visual legacy. Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, graced the occasion as chief guest, while National Professor Anisuzzaman presided. A documentary on Shahabuddin’s life and creative journey, filmed by Indian journalist Ajoy Roy, was also screened. In his remarks, Shahabuddin Ahmed reflected on his dual identity as a freedom fighter and artist, emphasizing artistic freedom and expressing gratitude for the recognition he has received both in Bangladesh and abroad. ARTCON contributed by designing and producing invitation cards, posters, and banners, coordinating sponsors, and curating the photography exhibition, serving as a key organisational hub. The event reaffirmed Shahabuddin Ahmed’s status as a national treasure, celebrating his enduring legacy and influence on both Bangladeshi and international art.
11 SEPTEMBER 2018
SHAHABUDDIN
69th Birthday Celebration
“Artist Shahabuddin is our pride. The eminent freedom fighter has not only highlighted the war of independence in his consciousness, but in the canvas before the world.”
– National Professor Anisuzzaman
“On his auspicious birthday, I wish that he will continue to inspire people with love for the country through his creativity, uphold and enhance the honour and dignity of Bangladesh ..... I hope that his paintings will continue to captivate and illuminate the entire world.”
– Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
This souvenir catalogue was published to commemorate the 69th birthday celebration of legendary Bangladeshi painter and freedom fighter Shahabuddin Ahmed, held on 11 September 2018 at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
The publication brings together messages and tributes from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Professor Abdul Mannan, Chairman of the National Committee for Shahabuddin Ahmed’s 69th Birthday Celebration, and Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. It also includes the complete details of the National Committee and the programme organised to mark the occasion.
The catalogue features rare archival photographs, including Shahabuddin Ahmed with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, alongside reproductions of Shahabuddin’s paintings depicting Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rabindranath Tagore and the artist himself.
Also included are a commemorative text, Commendation on the 69th Birthday of Artist Shahabuddin, and an essay by prominent Bangladeshi art critic Moinuddin Khaled, offering further reflection on Shahabuddin’s life, artistic practice and contribution to Bangladesh’s cultural history.
The souvenir serves as both a record of the 2018 celebration and a valuable documentary publication reflecting Shahabuddin Ahmed’s enduring place in the artistic and cultural heritage of Bangladesh.
“I am overwhelmed with receiving so many peoples' unconditional love.”
– Shahabuddin
Dcumentation
ARTCON played a central role in the 69th Birthday Celebration of Shahabuddin Ahmed, designing and managing the production of a souvenir catalogue, invitation cards, posters, and banners, coordinating sponsors, and serving as a key organisational hub. In addition, ARTCON curated a photography exhibition showcasing moments from the artist’s life and work, providing a vibrant visual documentation of his legacy and the evening’s festivities.
Photo Gallery
A visual chronicle of Shahabuddin Ahmed’s 69th birthday celebration, capturing key moments from the day — from ceremonial welcomes and cultural performances to exhibitions, speeches, and intimate interactions on stage. The photo gallery documents the presence of distinguished guests, artists, and cultural figures, offering a vivid glimpse into the atmosphere, spirit, and legacy celebrated at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
“The celebrations are justified, as Shahabuddin is the pride and true representative of Bangladesh across the globe.”
– Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury
News and Media
A curated collection of press coverage, interviews, and media features highlighting the 69th birthday celebration of Shahabuddin Ahmed. This section brings together reports from leading news outlets, capturing public response, expert commentary, and the significance of ARTCON’s role — alongside key cultural partners — in organising the artist camp, exhibitions, and tribute events that celebrated Shahabuddin Ahmed’s enduring legacy in Bangladeshi and international art.
