The exhibition created much enthusiasm and vigour among the nature lovers who came to the exhibition ignoring heavy rainfalls.

Around 250 bonsai works on Kath Beli, Kamini, Tomal, Tamarind, Hizal, Krishnachura, Rangan, Shet Chandan, Cherry, Karamcha, Ghurni Bichi, Boichi, Gandharaj and different species of Banyans of various shapes and sizes were presented in tiny pots in the exhibition.

Some exotic species of bonsai including Bangkok Bogenvila and China Banyan also attracted the viewers.

In addition to a miniature forest in a single pot, there were also some works on forests and landscapes along with the chirping of birds (music), which created a magnificent ambience of wildlife.

Bangladesh Bonsai Society (BBS) organised the exhibition in association with Grameen Phone.

Yonexo Fukada, counselor - deputy chief of the Embassy of Japan, inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest.

Yonexo said, bonsai is a blending of art, science and nature.

Terming bonsai as 'a global sub-culture', he appreciated the practice of nurturing bonsai in the country as an emblem of Japan-Bangladesh friendship.

'Bonsai is the architecture of soul integrating fantasy and reality in a single form' said BBS President Dr Shafique Ahmed Khan.

He asked for marketing of bonsai in the country and suggested for more education and training on bonsai with the slogan 'Bonsai is a living gift for all occasion'.

Talking to The Daily Star, SM Tauhid Tutul, BBS executive member, said that though Bangladesh has a potential for flourishing bonsai, lack of adequate instruments and awareness among people are the major obstacles.

"A bonsai can be made alive over 100 years providing sufficient water and sunlight and changing the soil of the pot every two years," said Tutul who is involved in the art for around 20 years.

The exhibition will remain open from 10:00am to 6:00pm till August 3 and there is no entry fee.

The price of the bonsai works in the exhibition ranges from Tk 1,000 to Tk 50,000.

But the highest priced bonsai of the exhibition is that of a Banyan tree that has a tag of Tk 5.75 lakh.

Ireen Parvin, BBS public relation in-charge, justified the price tag saying, "The Banyan has got a history". However, she preferred to keep it a mystery and did not disclose it.