The speakers said that with globalisation every step such as this is a growth towards understanding and harmony. This would enhance cultural ties with other countries, they added. The onlookers would benefit greatly by learning from other cultures and heritage. The speakers added that the venture by the National Museum should have a lasting impact.

The new gallery features 40 portraits and digitally regenerated copies of paintings by old masters.

Professor Mahmudul Haque, director general of the National Museum, said that it was tough to make the selection of the artworks. Torun Ghosh helped him, especially in making the prints. The four embassies of Korea, Switzerland, Iran and China also played an important role in making this a success. Haque hoped that the gallery would help in teaching students of fine arts and art enthusiasts.

Dora Rapold, Swiss ambassador said the exhibition would contribute to international understanding. It is a collection of arts and crafts, urban and rural, new and old. She added the embassy was happy to donate items to the museum.

The counselor of Iran in his turn said Iran and Bangladesh has century-old ties and the artifacts reflect the Iranian life. Others present at the function said that the museum authorities deserve applause for expanding the number of galleries in the National Museum from 12 to 18.

Abul Barq Alvi, professor of the Institute of Fine Arts, said, "We have no collection of works by the old masters. People in Bangladesh long to look at paintings from overseas specially the Western classics. Copies of the classics in the new collection would satiate that keenness to some degree."