"Any work of fine arts sharpens human consciousness and contributes to building a society more sensible," he added.

The minister was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of 15th Young Artists Art Exhibitin-2004 at the National Art Gallery at the Shilpakala Academy. He also distributed prizes among the winners.

The art exhibition will remain open from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm daily till July 22.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Begum Selima Rahman, Secretary Abu Solaiman Chowdhury and renowned artist Monirul Islam also spoke. Shilpakala Academy Director General Ahmed Nazir presided.

Shamsul Islam said Bangladesh have passed the period of childhood and juvenile in the field of painting and now its artists have been projecting their works in the international arena.

He paid tributes to the memories of great artist Shilpachariya Zainul Abedin and his contemporaries for playing a pioneer role in establishing painting as an art media in the country.

Selima Rahman said the academy has been playing a vital role in projecting painting to the people by patronising the Young Artists' Art Exhibition.

Referring to historical background of painting in this region, Ahmed Nazir said architecture, sculpture and painting uphold the thinking and taste of a nation.