In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of eminent French novelist and art theorist André Malraux's passing, under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and the Embassy of France in Dhaka, Alliance Française de Dhaka and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) are organising a series of events titled “Remembering André Malraux”, according to a press release. The main event took place at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of BSA on November 23. Asaduzzaman Noor, Minister of Cultural Affairs; Jean-Pierre Poncet, Deputy Head of Mission to the Embassy of France; Mario Palma, Ambassador of Italy and Prof. Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellor, University of Dhaka were among the distinguished guests present on the occasion.

The events highlight André Malraux's support to the Liberation War in September 1971, and the homage he paid during his visit to Bangladesh in 1973 to the martyrs, intellectuals, students and people of Bangladesh. The main event started through the speech of Jean-Pierre Poncet. Professor Arefin Siddique shared his view on Malraux's visit to University of Dhaka. Asaduzaman Noor delivered the welcome address. This was followed by a documentary screening on Malraux's visit to Bangladesh in 1973 through the eyes of Professor Mahmud Shah Qureshi. There was also a theatre performance titled “Asha”, directed by Ashim Das, focusing on some popular speeches of André Malraux.

Two exhibitions were on display at the lobby of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on November 23.