By Taskina Yeasmin (Dhaka Bureau)
Esthetic calligraphy crafted through the Bengali script- at first glance reminiscent of Arabic characters- boldly portrays National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s iconic words, ‘Bolo Beer, Chiro Unnato Momo Shir’ (Proclaim, Hero, Ever High is My Head). These powerful lines served as a guiding chant for students during last July’s mass movement. Using this unique artistic technique, the exhibition brings together the 99 names of Allah, alongside visual narratives connecting the landmark historic years of 1952, 1971, and 2024. Blending Bangladesh’s history of struggle with spiritual reflections, artist Mufassir Ahmad Faijee hosted his solo exhibition titled ‘Shobdo Ronge Jagoron’ (Awakening in Colors of Words) at the Nalinikanta Bhattasali Gallery of the Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbagh.
The three-day exhibition, held from July 24 to 26, marked the artist’s first solo show in Dhaka and his third overall. Alongside calligraphy, the exhibition also featured several paintings showcasing the timeless natural beauty of rural Bangladesh.
Reflecting on his journey, Mufassir Ahmad Faijee shared that his artistic path began when renowned educator Abdul Hakim Tapadar translated Professor Ramakrishna Rao’s celebrated book *Mohammed the Prophet of Islam* into Bengali and needed a cover design. Encouraged by an acquaintance, Faijee designed the word ‘Muhammad’ in Bengali calligraphy, structured so that it simultaneously echoed both Bengali and Arabic letterforms. After a long hiatus, he resumed his practice in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic with continuous encouragement from his wife.
Speaking on the philosophy of art, Faijee noted, ‘I believe art is never a one-way street. The audience’s perception and constructive criticism are what allow an artist to evolve. I view this exhibition not just as a showcase, but as a space for learning and reflection.’
In the exhibition catalogue, Professor Dr. Abdus Sattar, former Chairman of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka and Ekushey Padak recipient, wrote: ‘Mufassir Ahmad Faijee’s dedicated pursuit will breathe new life into calligraphy practice in Bangladesh. His Safavi Painting Academy promises to become an exemplary learning platform for future artists.’
Artist Ibrahim Mondal, President of the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad, added: ‘Despite having no formal institutional training in fine arts, his mastery is remarkable. His entry into the world of calligraphy is as sudden and bright as a comet.’
Key themes displayed in the artwork included The Declaration of Independence, The Great Liberation War, July Revolution, The Spirit of Ownership, The Voice of Revolution, Asmaul Husna, Bismillah, Ayat-ul-Kursi, The Kaaba Door Kiswa, and The Soul of Bangla, among others.
Carrying a long family heritage originating from Iran, Mufassir Ahmad Faijee, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad, was born on August 3, 1975, in Beanibazar, Sylhet. He completed his BA under the National University in 1996 and obtained his MM degree from the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board in 1999.
Expressing his desire to host future exhibitions in Japan, France, and the United States, Faijee highlighted the need for state patronage to preserve and promote calligraphy among younger generations. He advocated for integrating calligraphy into school and college curricula, offering it as a dedicated subject in university fine arts faculties, and establishing permanent galleries for preservation under the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Taskina Yeasmin: Senior Reporter, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
