Call for promoting calligraphy and integrating art in madrasah education

Speakers on Saturday underscored the patronisation of calligraphy by the government and the introduction of the art in madrasah education, as it is part of Muslim culture.

They said the artists of Islamic calligraphy in Bangladesh have not been evaluated by the government like artists of other genres in the country, and they were excluded from different kinds of national arrangements and awards.

The speakers also said that the graffiti arts on walls across the country played a key role in rejuvenating fighters of the July uprisings against the fascist rule of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

They made the comments while speaking at the prize-giving ceremony of a calligraphy art competition at Wisdom International School at Dhanmondi in the capital. Safa Calligraphy Institute of Bangladesh organised the competition, which saw the participation of over 50 contestants.

Director of Safa Calligraphy Institute Saifullah Safa said, “The works of Islamic calligraphers of our country are not evaluated. We are not considered for any national-level awards. We are also not given any access to national-level exhibitions and other competitions.