Protyasha, by sculptor Mrinal Haque

Renowned sculptor Mrinal Haque has been beautifying Dhaka City by installing sculptures and murals at the several busy and important points, which gives relief for the city dwellers. His latest venture Protyasha, near Bango Bazar, will be inaugurated today by the Mayor of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) Sadeq Hossain Khoka.
The 47-feet concrete made sculpture features a huge rifle, tied by a rope which is also made of concrete. On the top of the rifle a globe is set. And upon the globe there are two flying pigeons. And at the basement of the rifle, there are images of five Freedom Fighters. The figures represent a peasant, a student, an army personnel an intellectual and a woman. The whole structure is set in front of a big tree. The burning sun setting behind the figures creates the impression of our National Flag.
The sculptor said, "The beautification cell of Dhaka City Corporation approached me to do the work. The spirit of our Liberation War, especially the participation of people from all sectors of the society, is evident in the sculpture. The aim of the artwork Protyasha is to deliver an anti war message. We want peace not war in the world."
Recently, another sculpture by Mrinal Haque was inaugurated in front of Hotel Sheraton. Mrinal said, "To celebrate the 400th anniversary of historical town Dhaka another sculpture titled Rajoshik has been installed, in which figures of Nawab Salimullah and his family have been created on a horse carriage."
So far sculptor Mrinal Haque has installed nine such works in Dhaka city. Balaka at Motijheel intersection, sculptures and murals at Bangladesh Rifles Headquarter Gate, sculpture and mural at Rajarbagh Police Line Headquarter, murals at the VVIP terminal at the Dhaka International Airport, chain made car at Tejgaon intersection and others in Dhaka city.
Again, Subarna Jayanti Tower at Rajshahi University to celebrate the golden jubilee of Rajshahi University was made by him. His latest work is a sculpture at Chapainawabganj in memory of the Bir Sreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir.
About his motivation of beautifying cities sculptor Mrinal Haque said, "During my seven years (from 1996 to 2003) stay in the USA, I was one of the artists appointed by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in the USA for the beautification of the city. I was the only Bangladeshi. Later I thought that I should do something for my own country."
"I want to take art from the living rooms of the elite to the masses. I dream that the whole Dhaka City becomes my gallery. That is why I have done a lot of roadside murals. Making profit through the sculptures to beautify the city is not my interest. I do it to be remembered by the people", he added.
Most of his recent sculptures are made of fibber glass. About the reason behind using the medium Mrinal said, “ Drug addicts in Dhaka city steal the costly materials from the art works. Fibre glass is comparatively cheap and long lasting. And there is no chance of it being stolen."
On his other ongoing projects Mrinal Haque informed that he is installing another beautification work covering a huge area titled Atolante Bashoti opposite to the Navy Head Quarter. He is setting live figures of 40/50 feet size whales, sharks and other sea creatures. In his words, "Under sea atmosphere will be created through light and sound effect, which will be a great source of outdoor entertainment for people."
Sculptor Mrinal Haque believes that there is an enormous scope for quality works to beautify the city. He said, "At present I'm approaching DCC with my unique proposals. And, I'm collecting the sponsors for the works. I believe that the corporate companies should patronise more such creative works."
Sculptor Mrinal Haque won the Honourable Mention Award in the 12th Asian Art Biennale, Bangladesh in 2006 for his sculpture titled “Come for education... Go for... .”