The occasion was yet more significant since the honour was bestowed at the inauguration ceremony of Hamiduzzaman Khan's solo watercolour exhibition. Chiefly a sculptor, Hamiduzzaman has a real passion for painting especially in watercolour; for, he had his first lessons of art in this medium under eminent artist Mostafa Monwar, Hamiduzzaman said.

Rabiul Hossain and Moinuddin Khaled are two frequent names who write on art-works by the artists, both young and old, of the country. Their writing has in fact contributed greatly to the art criticism of the country, which is still in its infancy. Besides evaluating the artists, especially the young ones, their criticism has also helped discover the cultural heritage and the characteristics of the country's thousand year old cult of art and painting.

On the other hand, the two journalists also have helped the ongoing art movement expose to the countrymen, which in turn has advanced art and painting steps towards professionalism. The Daily Janakantha reporter Ashishur Rahman Shuvo said that this honour would surely inspire other young journalists to come forwards to reporting of art events. The increase of art galleries and exhibitions in recent times is surely a reflection of the popularity of art and paintings, and it has been possible for the wide coverage of these events by journalists, he said.

Fayza Haq of the Daily Star said she loves to attend the art events as she herself once used to paint. Fond of oil painting mainly, Fayza also used to draw sketches in her school and college days. She would often illustrate the institutes' yearly magazines. Later, while working in The Sun, she would illustrate her short stories. In the early years at the Daily Star where she presently works, she ran a page called 'Living Page' where she often used to do the illustrations. She also did some illustrations when she wrote for the column 'Day by Day'.

Although Fayza never thought of drawing professionally, she has had two group exhibitions of her art works to her credit--one in Pakistan, and one at the Goethe Institut in Dhaka some 20 years ago. Presently, however, Fayza does not have enough time needed for continuing her drawing, she said, but the passion has never faded.

Celebrated artist Mostafa Monwar inaugurated the exhibition of Hamiduzzaman Khan's watercolour works. Conducted by poet Faiz Ahmad, Chairman of Shilpangan, the ceremony was also attended by Aziz Khan, Chairman of Summit Group of Companies.

Hamiduzzaman's exhibition includes some one hundred art work and runs up to July 12 everyday from 10am to 9 pm.