Speaking on the occasion Sayeed Ahmed said that he was delighted that Monir had come from Spain to receive the award. He added that he was elated to hand over the prize to the artist who greatly deserved the honour.

Luva Naheed Chowdhury, director general of Bengal Foundation, said that the opportunity to honour an artist of Monirul Islam's stature is rare. In his time, Hamidur Rahman used his medium to protest against the establishment, she said. She also reminded the audience that Monir's paintings found their place in many galleries around the world, and that he had been awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak and a Spanish national prize.

Murtaja Baseer recalled Hamidur Rahman in glowing terms and affectionate phrases. He said that he and his colleagues -- Qayyum Chowdhury and Rashid Chowdhury -- observed Hamidur Rahman working at his wood carvings. Baseer met Rahman again when he returned from Europe. When Baseer went away to Italy to study art, he gave away his precious collection of foreign paints (back in those days they were not easily available) to Hamidur Rahman. The day he left for Italy it was hartal in Dhaka. Yet Hamidur Rahman, along with Qayyum Chowdhury and Aminul Islam, walked all the way to the airport to see him off. Later, Baseer said, he met Hamidur Rahman in Lahore, where the latter had a studio. There, Baseer got instructions in mural making and painting from Rahman. He taught Baseer new techniques, including mounting and framing.

Baseer had a joint exhibition with Hamidur Rahman in Karachi. Remembering Hamidur Rahman, Baseer said that he was generous with big-hearted ways.

Accepting his prize, Monirul Islam said that he had met Hamidur Rahman three times and got the impression that he was a sophisticated individual. According to the artist, Rahman was knowledgeable in his discussions on art. Monir added that he was fortunate that an artists' foundation had recognised him although he does not reside in Bangladesh.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Monir said, "As the prize is dedicated to the memory of the artist who designed the Shaheed Minar, the most profound symbol of the Language Movement, it is like a burst of oxygen to inspire my creative abilities. Hamidur Rahman, I believe was the pioneer of modern art in Bangladesh."

Asked which artists influence him, Monir said that several artists have inspired him in different times. In Bangladesh, as a student he had Zainul Abedin and Mohammed Kibria as mentors. "As an apprentice and even now, I admire Rembrandt and Goya. I learnt quite a bit living and working in Spain for 38 years, as I had the opportunity to study originals by the western masters."

Asked what aspects of Spanish life he liked, Monir said, "I like their impatience, anarchism and individuality. These three characteristics have moulded great talents like Picasso, Dali and Miro."