DHAKA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's 24th National Art Exhibition, the first in the country since March last year when COVID-19-related restrictions were imposed, is bringing a wave of happiness among art lovers.
The exhibition is underway in the country's National Art Gallery in capital Dhaka.
The flagship art venture by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, or the national academy of fine and performing arts which has been organizing the National Art Exhibition since 1975, now features an array of artworks on diverse mediums and genres by hundreds of artists.
For art lovers, the exhibition is an opportunity to heave a sigh of relief after authorities recently allowed the establishments to reopen.
Israt Jahan is one such art lover. "We all had to stay in lockdown for so long because of the coronavirus... We are now able to lead a normal life after lockdown," said Jahan, a female student of Dhaka's leading North South University, adding that "We're very happy that these cultural programs have started."
"There are a lot of beautiful pictures here, which people from different countries would love to see. This kind of artwork is not always seen. This is an excellent exhibition," she said, adding that the artworks are part of Bangladesh culture and heritage.
Another Fahmida Noor Aparna, a fourth year student at Dhaka City College, said she is elated to see the artworks.
"Coronavirus has taught us a lot during this lockdown. We have had to face many problems, we have had to face many financial problems, many have had health problems. I want everyone to be healthy, to be well, to be health conscious."
Priyanka Chowdhury, an art researcher, said life is returning to normalcy as the Bangladeshi government bolstered the vaccination drive.
"I took the vaccine myself," she said.
Bangladesh on Tuesday reported a COVID-19 positivity rate of 4.69 percent, the lowest in over six months, as health officials said the gradual drop in the infection indicated that the country's pandemic situation is improving thanks to the vaccination drive.
The country has so far administered over 35 million doses of vaccines. Some 21 million people have received their first shot while more than 14 million have got their second shot. Enditem
