The award ceremony for the 29th Berger Young Painters' Art Competition took place on Thursday (January 30) at Utshob Hall, Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. 

The competition, organised by Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited since 1996, has long served as a platform to recognise and nurture young artistic talents across the country.

Bangladesh's art landscape is enriched by numerous national and international competitions, but the Berger Young Painters' Art Competition has remained a beacon of inspiration for nearly three decades. This year, the competition attracted a remarkable number of submissions, highlighting the extraordinary creativity of the nation's young artists. 

The top honour was claimed by Mallick Sakib Shifat for his artwork Ingratitude, followed by Md. Mezanur Rahman in second place for Composition from Childhood Memory and Nur Munjerin Rimjhim in third place for Paradise. Md. Mehedi Hasan, Jolock Saha, and Abu-Al-Naeem secured the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively for their artworks Wall of Joy-02, Closeup Study, and What Am I?

The event was attended by key figures, including Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited; Md. Mohsin Habib Chowdhury, COO and Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited; Professor Dr. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts; Abul Kasem Mohammad Sadeque Nawaj, Chief Business Officer, Sales and Marketing; and A T M Shamim Uz Zaman, Chief Marketing Officer, Sales and Marketing of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited. Faculty members and students from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, along with the proud families of the awardees, also contributed to the event's vibrancy.

Speaking at the event, Rupali Chowdhury said, "Like every year, this time too, we witnessed some remarkable artworks from young painters that inspire us to think in new ways. On behalf of Berger, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our entire artist community, who have stood by this initiative for 29 long years."

Md. Mohsin Habib Chowdhury expressed his appreciation for the artists and organizers, saying, "This competition has honored more than 150 talented artists over the years, leaving a lasting impact on Bangladesh's art sector. The 29th edition reaffirms art's role in shaping our cultural heritage, inspiring us through creativity, vibrant brushstrokes, and the celebration of life."

Professor Dr. Azharul Islam Sheikh acknowledged Berger's efforts in fostering emerging artists, stating, "Berger has consistently empowered our artist community, and this year's BYPAC was no exception. We look forward to their continued support."

The winners were selected by a panel of esteemed jurors, including Prof. Dr. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University; Prof. Abdus Shakoor Shah, Jury Advisor; Prof. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Ali, Chairman of the Department of Drawing and Painting; Asmita Alam Shammy, Chairperson of the Department of Printmaking; Prof. Faruk Ahmed Molla from the Department of Craft; Reza Al Asad Huda Anupam from the Department of Graphic Design; Pradyut Kumar Das, Assistant Director at Shilpakala Academy; Dr. Abdus Sattar, Honorary Professor at the Department of Oriental Art; and AAM Kawsar Hasan, Professor at the Department of Sculpture.

As part of the celebration, Berger Paints is also organizing an exhibition at Jainul Gallery, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, from February 2 to 8. The exhibition will feature 40 selected artworks from the second round and will be open to all visitors free of charge.