Dhaka: The Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA) held its 16th Annual General Meeting and Grand Ikebana Display and Demonstration on Saturday at Alliance Fran§aise de Dhaka, in the city. The event was attended by distinguished guests, members of BIA, Ikebana practitioners, students, and enthusiasts of Japanese culture and the traditional art of flower arrangement.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the programme commenced with a holy recitation, followed by a welcome address from Nasrin Mehdi Chowdhury, President of BIA. A notable highlight was an Ikebana demonstration by Shamsunnahar Hossain, Adviser and Past President of BIA, showcasing the art's aesthetic principles and expression.
The event included a presentation on the history and journey of the Bangladesh Ikebana Association by Professor Dr. A.K.M. Moazzem Hussain, Founder of BIA. Established in 1973, the association has significantly promoted Ikebana and Japanese culture in Bangladesh.
The programme also featured speeches by Mamunul Karim, Executive Director of Bengal Biscuits Limited; Professor Md. Jahangir Alam, Chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies at the University of Dhaka; and Fran§ois Chambraud, Director of Alliance Fran§aise de Dhaka. Certificates were presented to students who completed BIA courses.
A special BIA publication was unveiled, marking a milestone for the association. The formal stage programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Masud Karim, Life Patron and Honorary CEO of BIA, followed by a group photograph of guests and members.
The event concluded with the inauguration of the Grand Ikebana Display in the courtyard by the Director of Alliance Fran§aise. Guests and visitors appreciated a collection of Ikebana arrangements by members and students of BIA. Through these activities, the association continues to promote Ikebana as an art form while fostering cultural understanding and ties between Bangladesh and Japan.