Three documentary films to honour sculptor Novera Ahmed today

Novera Ahmed, widely regarded as the first modern sculptor of post-Partition Bangladesh, was far ahead of her time. In the conservative decades of the 1950s and '60s, she carved her own path—fearlessly, freely, and unapologetically. 

Novera's name remains inseparably linked to the original design of the Central Shaheed Minar, a national symbol of resistance and sacrifice.

To mark her 11th death anniversary on May 5, Bengal Foundation is hosting a special tribute titled "Novera – Smritir Abhijatra" ("Novera – A Journey Through Memory") today (May 14) at 4pm, at Level 3, Bengal Shilpalaya, Dhanmondi 27.

This event also celebrates the recent posthumous Independence Award conferred on Novera Ahmed—an overdue recognition of her radical artistic contributions to Bangladesh.

As part of the programme, three short documentary films on the life and work of Novera will be screened, directed by N Rashed Chowdhury, Shibu Kumar Shil, and Anannya Ruma.

Before the screenings, two noted speakers will reflect on Novera's legacy: artist and Dhaka University professor of sculpture Lalarukh Selim, and Novera researcher and university teacher Dr Rezaul Karim Sumon.

The event is open to all.