Top French honour for Shahabuddin

France has recognised Bangladesh’s pre-eminent artist Shahabuddin Ahmed’s works with its one of the highest titles in arts and literature.

The foreign ministry said the freedom-fighter artist, who lives in Paris, has been awarded with the ‘Chevalier de I’Ordre des Arts at des Lettres’, known as the Knight in the Order of the Arts and Literature.

Introduced in 1957, this title is given to French and foreign artists for their outstanding work in literary or artistic fields.

Born in 1950, Shahabuddin graduated from the then Bangladesh College of Arts and Crafts before going to Paris for higher studies with a French government scholarship.

Over the last three decades, his remarkable works have been extensively exhibited around the world.

His distinctive style, depicting a blend of Oriental and Occidental art forms, made him a prominent name among European art lovers.

His mastery led him to receive the honour of being one of the “50 Master Painters of Contemporary Arts” at the Olympiad of Arts, Barcelona, in 1992.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said in a statement the French Minister of Culture and Communication Aurelie Filippetti in her letter to Shahabuddin recognised his contribution and commitment to the culture of France.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also congratulated artist Shahabuddin on being awarded by France.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s noted educationist and linguist Dr Muhammad Shahidullah and mime artist Partha Pratim Majumder received the same award in 1967 and 2011 respectively.

A person becomes eligible for the title ‘Chevalier’ –Knight-- after rendering minimum 20 years of public service or 25 years of professional activity, the foreign ministry said.

The award is given out under the jurisdiction of the French Minister of Culture and Communication.