The Ganesh Haloi Bengal (GHB) Research Grant was initiated in 2017, to develop research and critical writing particularly focused on arts in Bangladesh and South Asia. The grant is supported by eminent artist Ganesh Haloi, born on the banks of the Brahamaputra in Jamalpur, Mymensingh, now in Bangladesh in 1936. The artist moved to Kolkata in 1950 following the partition of India.

Painter and researcher Shawon Akand received this year's scholarship. He received this scholarship on the basis of a research proposal titled "Alternative History of Dhaka Art: In Search of Non-Institutional Genres".

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A three-member jury board passed his proposal and approved his idea, to be submitted within twelve months. Shawon will focus on to understand and analyse the history of the art practice of Dhaka from the 40s to the 80s by searching for various information and materials.

The grant was announced through an event held on July 25 at Bengal Shilpalaya, titled

"Nominated Researcher Introduction: Ganesh Haloi Bengal Research Scholarship 2023". Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Rafiqun Nabi was the chief guest at the event.

The scholarship is awarded by Bengal Foundation in favor of eminent artist and researcher Ganesh Haloi of West Bengal. This initiative encourages the way of research, inquiry and exploration on various issues related to the performing arts practice of Bangladesh and it will be enlivened with new perspectives.