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Energy sector holds huge cooperation potential between Nepal and Bangladesh: Nepalese envoy tells Cosmos Dialogue

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 06:31:13 +0000

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari on Thursday said his country sees huge potential to cooperate with Dhaka in five key areas including in the energy sector setting milestones in bilateral and sub-regional cooperation.

“We are encouraged by the decision of the government of India to facilitate the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh, through the Indian grid with an export of upto 40 MW. This is just a baby step and a symbolic one. But this will be a huge milestone to kick start a new drive for our bilateral and, in fact, the sub-regional cooperation in energy,” he said.

In addition, the ambassador said, talks are also underway for the joint investment in 683 MW Sunkoshi III hydropower project in Nepal.

“I understand Bangladesh authorities are engaged with GMR Company of India in finalizing the deal for 500 MW of electricity from Upper Karnali,” he said.

The Nepalese ambassador was delivering a keynote speech at Cosmos Dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Nepal Relations: Prognosis for the Future” in the city which was organized as part of “Ambassadors’ Lecture Series” by Cosmos Foundation.

Former Bangladesh High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to the United States and Honorary Emeritus Advisor, Cosmos Foundation Tariq A Karim chaired the discussion while Cosmos Foundation Vice President Masud Khan delivered welcome and closing remarks.

Former Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister of Nepaql Hari Sharma, Dhaka University International Relations Department Prof Lailufar Yasmin and Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, East West University Parvez Karim Abbasi, among others, spoke at the symposium. Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan was also present.

The envoy said Nepal’s hydropower potential and Bangladesh’s increasing energy needs is a much-talked about subject.

“Currently, Nepal has an energy surplus. But, what we are producing now is just over 5 percent of what is economically viable. This means, if fully realized, Nepal’s hydropower can make tremendous contributions to the clean energy solutions of South Asia,” said the ambassador.

Tariq Karim said if there is one factor which will determine the future of Bangladesh-Nepal relations; it is to cooperate in the energy sector between the two countries.

He said now Nepal and Bangladesh finally are about to enter a new phase in terms of power supply while he sees huge and very exciting possibilities.

“If 40MW starts coming, that is a beginning but it will open a floodgate,” said the former diplomat, adding that through this they can begin the transition more quickly to green energy, not just clean energy.

He highlighted the hydropower potential that the region, specially Bhutan, Nepal and Northeast India hold.

Karim said the relations have not gone really at the pace that kept with the expectations from the sides.

“We have to understand, if we want something, we have to give something. If we deny something, we will also be denied something,” he mentioned.

Masud Khan said one of the most promising sectors between the two countries is energy.

“This will also grow as Nepal develops its hydropower capabilities and Bangladesh optimizes its gas output,” he said.

There is a secretary-level joint steering committee for energy cooperation, which held a significant session in August 2022.

However, Masud said, trade in energy and electric power will need to be trilateral as India’s consent and participation would perhaps be essential and critical.

“South Asian diplomacy will require putting some emphasis upon that aspect,” he mentioned.

Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury said the two countries need to explore the untapped potential through bilateral and regional cooperation

He said through a tripartite arrangement, the export of 40-50MW electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh is progressing. “It is a small step in the progress of the relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal, but a giant leap for regional cooperation and its implications for future regional cooperation will be extensive.”

Sabbir also said it is necessary to focus on trade arrangements between the two countries.

Hari Sharma said the two countries and its people need to understand each other better and need to understand each other’s sensitivity.

He said the two countries need to have regular “strategic dialogue” to take forward the relations, noting that there are very little interactions between knowledge centers.

Hari Sharma said the relationship needs to be nurtured through various mechanisms that are available to two countries. “If we exchange more, our relationship will grow further.”

Prof Lailufar Yasmin highlighted the importance of soft power in strengthening the relations, noting that there should be efforts on enhancing cooperation in the cultural arena.

She said the two countries can go for joint movie production.

Prof Abbasi laid emphasis on investment flow from both ends and felt for an agreement on investment and protection mechanism for joint venture investment.

He also highlighted potential in the tourism sector and said the two countries must have broader tourism facilities with the support of India. “Tourism infrastructure needs to be developed.”

Prof Abbasi also highlighted the importance of having a “sustained engagement” for greater benefits.

Ambassador Ghanshyam said as they look to the next fifty years and beyond, there is a need to build on the progress and consolidate our partnership with more focus on enhancing economic linkages.

“With just 51 years on the clock of our formal diplomatic relationship, we can of course take stock of, celebrate, and commemorate the achievements we have made together,” he said, highlighting five key areas of cooperation – energy, trade and investment, connectivity, tourism and people to people contacts, and climate change.

The two governments have agreed to start power trade at the earliest, even with a small volume of 40-50 MW to begin with.

“We know power trade between our two countries cannot happen without India’s cooperation and collaboration,” said the envoy, adding that the importance of energy cooperation is immense.

He said there is a Chinese proverb: ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today’.

“This resonates so well when we talk about energy cooperation between our two countries and among countries in our region. One realized, it will be a much-needed springboard to take our bilateral relations as well as the sub-regional cooperation, to the next level,” said the envoy.

Trade and Investment

The bilateral trade between Nepal and Bangladesh is increasing but remains at a modest level. It was around USD 70 million in 2022.

The figures show that trade is heavily skewed in favour of Bangladesh, said the ambassador.

Nepal primarily exports red lentils, ginger, cardamom and other agricultural products, fruits, plants, and plant parts, among others. Major exports from Bangladesh include oil cakes, electrical and electronic items, jute and textiles, potatoes, and pharmaceuticals.

The government of Bangladesh decided in December 2022 to lift a two-decade-long ban on Nepali yarns entering Bangladesh via Banglabandha Land Custom Station. “We thank the Government of Bangladesh for that.”

The private sectors- led by premier chambers of our countries FNCCI and FBCCI- are closely connected.

“But given the closeness and proximity between our two countries, what we have achieved is nowhere close to the potential,” said the ambassador.

There is a need to further intensify our efforts to enhance trade and investment linkages, including by eliminating or reducing the other duties and charges (ODCs), he said, adding that, “We must address the non-tariff barriers including through upgrading the facilities at land customs stations and standardizing the procedures.”

Connectivity

Ambassador Bhandari said energy trade, or any other aspect of economic engagements for that matter, will not be possible without connectivity.

“Connectivity- both in the physical and digital sphere- and through land, air and water is the beating heart of bilateral, regional, and sub-regional cooperation,” he said.

Currently, two airlines – Biman Bangladesh and Himalaya Airlines – are operating 10 direct flights per week between Kathmandu and Dhaka.

The movement of goods and people between our two countries is done mostly through Banglabadha and Burimari land ports.”We thank the Government of Bangladesh for the offer to use port facilities at Mongla and Chittagong for Nepal’s trade with the third countries,” said the envoy.

Talking about sub-regional connectivity, the negotiations on the movement of cargo and passenger vehicles under the BBIN framework are underway, he said.

Successful conclusion of the negotiations, by addressing each other’s concerns, if any, will be a significant milestone towards achieving seamless road connectivity in the sub-region, said the envoy.

Talking about digital connectivity, he said it is one of the emerging frontiers. “IT sector is flourishing both in Nepal and Bangladesh. We need to explore this new area, promote collaboration, and enhance digital connectivity.”

Tourism

Bhandari said historically tourism and people-to-people exchanges have been a strong connecting thread between the two countries.”Our two countries offer unique and diverse touristic products- be it in terms of Nepal’s majestic mountains, verdant valleys, beautiful waterfalls and historical and archaeological sites or Bangladesh’s fertile plains, exquisite sea beaches, captivating mangrove forests, and cultural and historical monuments,” he said.

The envoy said they must build linkages between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, between hills and plains, and between markets and minds.

“But much remains to be done to connect our religious and archaeological sites, and eco-tourism and adventure destinations through tourism circuits. We must promote innovation, ignite entrepreneurship, and build stronger bonds between the peoples and business communities,” he said.

On climate change, the envoy said both Nepal and Bangladesh are at the frontline of the climate crisis.

“We can prioritize climate action and build climate-resilient pathways in line with the pledges of Nepal and Bangladesh to reduce carbon emissions and in line with the global target of net-zero emission scenario by 2050,” he said.

The ambassador said they must continue to champion the climate agenda at the global stage, just like we did around ‘loss and damage’ at Sharm El-Sheikh. “We need to continue raising voices, including for climate finance, share our experiences and best practices, and work together for protecting our peoples, and for conserving the ecosystems.”

Just like two ‘schoolmates of development’, the ambassador said, the two countries are both set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category by 2026.

Of course, graduation is an important development milestone for both of our countries, he said, but going forward, the two countries are sure to confront various challenges including due to the loss of international support measures.

“So, we must work together and push against any pushback to ensure a smooth, sustainable, and irreversible graduation. Sharing of experiences during the current preparatory period will be critical,” the envoy said.

In his concluding remarks, Masud Khan said they must explore and exploit mutual opportunities and resources in three areas like 3 Cs, climate, culture, commerce from tourism to renewables, from climate and cultural collaboration to commercial collaboration. “The opportunities are endless.”

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Bangladesh Makes Renewed Move to Attract IOCs in Offshore Gas Exploration

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 03:27:10 +0000

The Bangladesh Government has taken an initiative for updating the Model Production Sharing Contract (MPSC) to attract the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to participate in the next bidding round for oil and gas explorations in the country’s offshore blocks soon. State-run Petrobangla has been updating the Model PSC by bringing in some positive changes in the provision to make the offer more attractive for International Oil Companies.

Last year, Petrobangla awarded the contract to Wood Mackenzie to upgrade the MPSC (Model Production Sharing Contract) with a target to get the MPSC fiscal terms upgradation completed by the Consultant in line with the IOC expectations and current market scenario.

Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract

In the latest development Petrobangla has incorporated the recommended changes to the MPSC.

WoodMac also suggested Petrobangla the need for making some positive changes to the Non-fiscal terms of the MPSC in addition to their recommended changes in the fiscal terms which have also been considered in the new the MPSC. The upgraded/revised MPSC 2023 has approved by the Cabinet during July 2023 and the same has been officially published by Petrobangla recently. The Model Production sharing contract 2023 can be downloaded from the Petrobangla website.

http://www.petrobangla.org.bd/site/page/51 b49476-08c2-4c15-b957- ece3879c8dee/Model-PSC

The Salient Features of the Model PSC 2023 on the Major Changes are as Follows:

Contract Features and Description

1) Exploration Period: Total Exploration Period 9 years (Initial Exploration Period 6 years + Subsequent Exploration Period 3 years)

2) Mandatory work Program: Seismic Only.

3) Biddable work Program: Geology, Seismic, Drilling, Other Surveys.

4) Cost Recovery: 75% for Oil /Gas /NGL/Condensate produced per calendar year.

5) Profit Split (Govt. Share): R-factor (Sliding Scale) based Shallow Sea Blocks: 40% 65% (Biddable upper & lower limits) Deep Sea Blocks: 35% 60% (Biddable upper & lower limits)

6) Carried Interest: 10% carried interest for Govt. for Shallow Sea Blocks only. (Bapex participates as carried Partner)

7) Import duty on Equipment: No duty.

8) Corporate Income Tax: Petrobangla shall arrange necessary fund to Contractor and Contractor shall pay their tax to appropriate authority.

9) Gas Price: Indexed to a percentage of global index Gas Price = 10% x Brent Applicable both for Shallow & Deep Sea Blocks No Ceiling and Floor. Price will be at Wellhead.

10) Gas Export Contractor: has the option to sell Contractor’s share of Natural Gas produced from offshore blocks in the domestic market to a third party at a negotiated price subject to Petrobangla’s right of first refusal If no market exists then Export.

11) Third Party Gas Sales: Contractor has the option to sell Contractor’s share of Natural Gas produced from Offshore blocks, in the domestic market to a third party, at a negotiated price, subject to Petrobangla’s right of first refusal

12) Pipeline & Tariff No: pipeline tariff applicable both for shallow deep sea blocks Contractor shall have the right to construct operate the Pipeline recover the cost.

13) Fees and Bonus:

a) Commercial Discovery of Oil & Gas in Contract Block: US 3 000 000
b) Production Bonus: US 500 000 to US 6 000 000 on the basis of Production.
c) Research & Development: US cent 10 per bbl of profit Oil/NGL/Condensate and US cent 0 4 per MCF of Profit Natural Gas.
d) Contract Service Fee: d) US$ 200,000 during exploration and development period on each anniversary of the Effective Date and US$ 300,000 during production period on each Calendar Year.

14) Training: US 150 000 during exploration and development period and US 200 000 during production period on each Contract Year.

15) Extension of Production Period: Production Period is 25 years If commercial production still possible then provision of additional 10 years extension.

Offshore Seismic Survey:

The Government also took initiative to conduct multi-client 2D seismic survey for Bangladesh Offshore areas in the Bay of Bengal, which has been awarded to TGS- SchlumbergerJV. The contractor will conduct the seismic survey in the Bay covering 32,000 line-kilometers, in both deep and shallow waters.

The survey initiated in January this year and the first phase of the study covering approximately 12000 line- kilometers have been completed in April 2023. Data processing has been done simultaneously. FYI, the 2nd phase of the seismic survey is expected to start by the end of this year or early next year.

Total Offshore Blocks: 26

Shallow Offshore: 11

Deep Offshore: 15

Total Offshore Block Area: 111,126 Sq. Km. Approx

Shallow: 58,729 Sq. Km.

Deep: 52,397 Sq. Km.

Current Offshore PSC Signed Status:

The Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) of the Blocks SS-04 and SS-09 were signed by the Petrobangla with the consortium of ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) & OIL India Limited (OIL) and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) on 17 February 2014.

OVL has been acting as the Operator of these two Blocks with Participating Interest of 45%, OIL holds 45% PI and BAPEX 10%.

The Government’s Plans to For the Bidding Round / Direct Negotiations:

According to the Energy Ministry, the bidding round would be held after the general election due in January 2024 as they expect to get actual seismic data on the offshore blocks in the Bay through completing the 2nd phase of ongoing multi-client 2D seismic survey by Q1,2024 (expected).

ExxonMobil officially expressed their interest for the Deep offshore blocks in the Bay of Bengal.

Chevron bought the 1st phase of seismic data covering 12k line-kilometers from TGS- SLB during the last quarter and a number of IOCs are in advance communications on procuring the data from TGS-SLB. FYI, the 2nd phase of the seismic survey is expected to start by the end of this year or early next year depending on securing the IOC prefunding for the same.

In addition to ExxonMobil, Chevron also submitted a formal letter to Energy Ministry expressing its Commercial Interest in Bangladesh Offshore Gas Exploration and Development Projects.

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Cosmos Dialogue on Dhaka-Washington ties premieres Saturday on Facebook

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 14:41:15 +0000

Experts from Bangladesh and the United States have been brought together for an online symposium hosted by the Cosmos Foundation to assess the Dhaka-Washington relationship in its present context and identify the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the effort to take it forward.

The keynote address at the symposium titled ‘The Biden Administration in the United States: Prognosis for the Future of Bangladesh-US Relations’ will be delivered by Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Asia Programme and Senior Associate for South Asia at the Wilson Centre in Washington, DC.

Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan will deliver the opening remarks at the event, which is set to premiere on the Facebook page of Cosmos Foundation this Saturday, April 3, at 8PM BdST (10AM EST). Renowned scholar-diplomat and adviser on foreign affairs to the last caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury will chair the session.

Also read: Cosmos Dialogue on Bangladesh’s relations with Nordic countries begins in city

The symposium is the latest instalment in Cosmos Foundation’s flagship ‘Dialogue’ series, in which a high-level expert panel is tasked with tackling pressing issues of the day, that has continued through the pandemic.

Apart from the names mentioned above, the panel of discussants for the latest edition will comprise Ambassador Tariq Karim, Dr Nina Ahmad, Dr Ali Riaz, and Ambassador Serajul Islam.

The full video of the event will be available for viewing on the Facebook page of Cosmos Foundation, and (elsewhere) from Saturday, April 3rd, 8PM BdST.

Also read: Cosmos Dialogue on Foreign Policy begins in city

Before the pandemic hit, two-way trade between the United States and Bangladesh touched a record $9 billion, with the US remaining the largest single-country export destination for Bangladeshi products.

The potential of a relationship grounded in strong economic ties is proven, and the long-discussed US-Bangladesh Business Council is now very close to reality, with the US Chamber of Commerce set to host its launch in the first week of April.

Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from the list of Least Developed Countries has been well noted in the US media, and the Biden Administration’s outreach to Dhaka in Washington’s renewed commitment to fighting climate has been notable.

Also read: Cosmos dialogue on EU’s contemporary relevance begins

Against this backdrop, Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of conglomerate the Cosmos Group, brings together the finest minds to arrive at a prognosis for the future of the relationship, in line with its commitment to eliciting strategic insights and policy solutions for Bangladesh as it charts its course toward a future that is ever-brighter.

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‘The Black Story’ exhibition by Gallery Cosmos launched virtually

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 14:35:37 +0000

Echoing solidarity with the global Black Lives Matter movement against racial injustices, much-anticipated art exhibition “The Black Story,” was launched virtually by Gallery Cosmos on Thursday. Curated by Nahar Khan, Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos, the special exhibition is shedding the spotlight on the recent wave of protests against racial injustices perpetrated against the Black community in America, which inspired people of all colours across continents to proclaim “Black Lives Matter”, in solidarity with the movement.

Also read: Enthralling artworks showcase Sheikh Hasina’s eventful life at Gallery Cosmos

Featuring a powerful combination of artistic expression from five prominent Bangladeshi visual artists: Alakesh Ghosh, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Afrozaa Jamil Konka, Bishwajit Goswami and Sourav Chowdhury, and a series of intellectual interventions with global art-enthusiasts and specialists – the exhibition is aiming to explore the intolerable injustices and generational trauma experienced by black communities.

This interactive exhibition delves into the interactions between the historic Black and South Asian communities, harmonizing the motif to examine, expose, and embrace the historical and ancestral ties of people in this region, the organizers emphasized at the inauguration of this month-long exhibition.

Nahar Khan, Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos, inaugurated the special event at 9 pm on Thursday at Gallery Cosmos and UNB’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GalleryCosmos and https://www.facebook.com/unbnewsroom.

Hosted by Nabila Rahman, the inauguration was also joined by eminent Bangladeshi social activist, feminist, and environmentalist Khushi Kabir, and Nigerian American visual artist Osi Audu.

Nahar Khan, in her capacity as curator, mentioned that the exhibition has been profoundly transformative for her on a personal and professional level.

Shedding light on the history, Nahar Khan said, “The two communities (Black and South Asian) in the West share a longstanding history of being allies and enjoyed a sense of camaraderie born out of their shared struggles to build solidarity. These connections are best embodied by the ‘mixed’ lives of Black Bengalis. Vivek Bald’s ‘Bengali Harlem and the Lost Histories of South Asian America’, reveals how multiple waves of Bengali Muslim migrants became part of iconic American cities like New York, New Orleans, and Detroit.”

Nahar Khan pointed out how their men were known for inter-marrying with African American, Creole, and Puerto Rican women, building new lives in the American working-class communities of colour between the 1880s and early 1900s.”

“The ties between Black and South Asian communities are not just limited to the diaspora that exists in the West,” she continued. “Black-South Asia is an important and mostly unexplored segment of the Global African Diaspora which is present across the region: such as the African descended communities of Gujrat and Karnataka’s Sidis, Hyderabad’s Chaush, Pakistan’s Seedis, and Sri Lanka’s Kaffirs.”

“The body of work presented here is a collective commentary on the experience of systemic oppression, racism, and discrimination faced by the Black community; and examines how our own communities have institutionalized anti-black sentiments. Through this month-long virtual exhibition, we hope to engage Bangladeshi and global audiences on a journey to discover how our communities are intertwined. The Black Story comprises works encompassing painting, video, sound, poetry, film, and photography. Concurrently, a series of webinars and interviews will be held to create meaningful dialogue around issues of race, identity, and power (or lack thereof). Through multi-disciplinary art and intellectual discourse, The Black Story will explore our past, examine our present, and imagine our future in the context of institutionalized racism experienced by minority communities,” Nahar Khan added, explaining the event details.

Also read: Curtain rises on first-ever virtual exhibition on Bangabandhu by Gallery Cosmos

Congratulating the organizers for initiating this special exhibition, Khushi Kabir said, “Art is such a positive form of trying to bring out the nuances that exist in society. I really want to congratulate Gallery Cosmos and Nahar Khan for organizing ‘The Black Story’, and we need to work to have a world that does not exploit nature, people and everything that is beautiful. I believe art is the best way to bring this issue to the forefront.”

“The Black Lives Matter movement became as big as it is today with the murder of George Floyd which brought global attention towards the issue regarding the black lives, though it was always there. If we look at the history of the USA right from the very beginning, we see that there has always been racial injustice but it also has had its existence in our (South Asian) communities as well,” Khushi Kabir, the lead convenor of Nijera Kori Foundation, added.

“I think it is the time to start looking at ourselves, as we also have tinctures of racism within us as we are part of such globalisation consisting the problematic epitome of beauty and certain skin tones-looks-features, and do not try to realise that each of us has different characteristics by nature. Being aware of and respecting all human beings, and not having preconceived notions and ideas of what constitutes what a person is or should be and should not be, is something that we have to start breaking from,” Khushi Kabir suggested.

Acclaimed Nigerian American visual artist Osi Audu said, “I am deeply honoured to be on this platform as a visual artist and a Black artist, and my experience of facing racism actually began when I moved to London and then moved to the US; as the western world deliberately tried to demotivate me from my passion to the abstract art. The reality which I found later that abstraction was not originally a western phenomenon. The abstraction and abstract thought, in terms of art and aesthetics, came into the West through Picasso when he actually interacted with some figurative works from Congo, which resulted in the production of these abstract works. Prior to then, ‘realism’ was the main form of art that started way back in the Renaissance period, made very popular by Leonardo (Da Vinci).”

“So that was one of the ways that I kicked against some of the silent racist thoughts about what the Africans are, what their imaginations should be engaged in because one of the insidious things about racism and generally the prevalent anti-black sentiment is that it wants to hijack and give your imagination a different narrative,” he shared his side of fighting back and forth with the struggles.

Also read: Group art exhibition ‘Musicality in Wood’ begins at Gallery Cosmos

“I intentionally went against all odds and did not allow my imagination to strive with struggles, enslavement, and sadness. I dared and still continue to dare to look at the full extents of black lives. Look at our (black artists) subject matters: love, happiness, fantasy, and all types of ideas which was the reason that the Black Panther movie became highly successful. I am really inspired by the stories of people who strived to live their life to the fullest of their imagination and potential, looking at modern-day examples like former president Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris and more,” Audu said at the event.

Focusing on the peaceful harmony against racism, he added that the protests that swept through America in response to George Floyd’s killing, were joined by people of all colours in demanding racial equality. “Not all white people are racist. In fact, a lot of them had died during the civil war in America against slavery – and my own personal story has been determined by that. At the core of our being, we have a lot of common – more than what separates us.”

Also watch: The Black Story

Apart from the evocative artworks from the five participating and renowned Bangladeshi visual artists, there will be interesting segments showcased in the exhibition alongside webinars, photography, poetry, film, and various audio and visual multimedia pieces through its dedicated and interactive virtual gallery.

“The exhibition entitled The Black Story will stand as proof that many of the debates around race, violence, injustice and discrimination centring the Black Movement have been left unconfronted for far too long. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the opening of the exhibition, its cross-disciplinary approach that encompasses the art, sound, sculpture, video, photography, live talk shows, performances, poetry and music will make this event a unique initiative by Gallery Cosmos, conceived and curated by Nahar Khan. Cosmos Foundation is delighted to support The Black Story,” Enayetullah Khan, chairman of the Cosmos Foundation stated regarding the exhibition.

In partnership with Cosmos-Atelier71, The Black Story is supported by Cosmos Foundation while UNB is the media partner (full disclosure: Cosmos Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, UNB’s owning company). Proceeds from The Black Story will go towards the Black & Indigenous People of Colour Creative Association (BIPOC-CA).

Also read: Gallery Cosmos art camp on PM Hasina begins

The month-long virtual exhibition is inviting people from all walks of lives from February 25 to March 25, 2021, on the official website of the exhibition at www.theblackstory.com, as well as through the social media pages of the Gallery and UNB.

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US Ambassador Miller visits art exhibition on PM at Cosmos Centre

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 14:21:14 +0000

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller on Saturday visited the ongoing two-month long group art exhibition titled “Sheikh Hasina: On the Right Side of History” and appreciated the artists for taking forward the history of this “extraordinary country”.

“I think the timing is perfect,” said Ambassador Miller, mentioning the birth centenary celebrations of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.

Also read:Curtain rises on first-ever virtual exhibition on Bangabandhu by Gallery Cosmos

Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group Masud Jamil Khan, former diplomats, including Tariq Ahmad Karim, who is currently Director of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at the Independent University and Honorary Advisor Emeritus of Cosmos Foundation, WildTeam CEO Dr. Md. Anwarul Islam and Associated Press (AP), Dhaka Bureau Chief Julhas Alam were present.

Also read: Exhibition on PM Sheikh Hasina at Cosmos Centre begins Saturday

Welcoming the US Ambassador, Masud Khan said, “The USA is our true and tested friend …we see our relationship with the USA from a long-term and strategic view.”

Also read: Enthralling artworks showcase Sheikh Hasina’s eventful life at Gallery Cosmos

Masud Khan briefed the Ambassador about the art exhibition and said each and every art piece here is unique and special in its own way.

“Art may not be essential to our day-to-day survival but it’ll be in the long run to the survival of society and culture,” Masud Khan said, adding that the exhibition is part of the year-long programme to celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Also read: Gallery Cosmos hosting art camp on PM Hasina Friday

Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud formally inaugurated the group art exhibition on December 15, 2020.

Gallery Cosmos in collaboration with the Cosmos Atelier71 recently hosted an art camp supported by the Cosmos Foundation on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu.

Artists Alakesh Ghosh, Ahmed Shamshuddoha, Sheikh Afzal, Nasir Ali Mamun, Bishwajit Goswami, Ratneshwar Shutradhar, Rasel Kanti, Monjur Rashid, Sourav Chowdhury, Maneek Bonik, Jayanta Sarkar, Azmol Hossain, Fida Hossain, Amit Nandi, Didarul Limon, Tamanna Afroz, Fahim Chowdhury, Miskatul Abir, Proshun Halder, Hasura Akter Rumky and Surovi Akter had participated in the camp.

The artworks produced at the camp are being showcased at the exhibition. The exhibition will remain open till February 12, 2021, at Cosmos Centre and can only receive 20 visitors at any one time.

The US Ambassador, accompanied by his son Andrew Miller, visited different wings of the Cosmos Group at Cosmos Centre, including UNB newsroom and the offices of WildTeam and AP. He thanked the Cosmos Group for the invitation and hospitality.

Also read: Gallery Cosmos art camp on PM Hasina begins

Earlier, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram K Doraiswami, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson and Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan visited the art exhibition.

Visitors have been advised to wear masks all the time while visiting the exhibition and maintain appropriate distance from each other.

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‘Sheikh Hasina: On the Right Side of History’ exhibition inaugurated in Dhaka

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 12:42:58 +0000

The exhibition is an outcome of a previously held art camp where 21 artists participated portraying PM’s life and achievements.

A two-month long exhibition on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been inaugurated at Cosmos Centre at Dhaka on Saturday.

The exhibition titled “Sheikh Hasina: On the Right Side of History” was inaugurated by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson and Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan.

The exhibition is an outcome of a previously held art camp where 21 artists participated portraying PM’s life and achievements.

Speaking on the occasion, the British High Commissioner said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a remarkable leader and the exhibition shows her incredible range of emotions and determination captured in an array of artworks.”

Ambassador Mustafa Turan said, “Seeing all these paintings, I’m very impressed. I’ve not met her yet. I’m sure when I’ll meet her in person, I’ll appreciate this initiative,” said the ambassador, thanking the Cosmos Foundation for bringing them together to celebrate life and achievements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Gallery Cosmos joined hands with the Cosmos Atelier ’71 by for hosting an art camp supported by the Cosmos Foundation as a part of the year-long programme to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group Masud Jamil Khan said, “Each of the artwork here is unique. He also said that art may not be essential to day-to-day survival but it would be essential in the long run to the survival of society and culture.”

The participating artists at the exhibit include Alakesh Ghosh, Ahmed Shamshuddoha, Sheikh Afzal, Nasir Ali Mamun, Bishwajit Goswami, Ratneshwar Shutradhar, Rasel Kanti, Monjur Rashid, Sourav Chowdhury, Maneek Bonik, Jayanta Sarkar, Azmol Hossain, Fida Hossain, and Amit Nandi.

The exhibition will remain open till February 12, 2021, and 20 visitors are allowed at one time. Visitors are strictly advised to wear masks while visiting the exhibition and maintain other health etiquettes.

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Gallery Cosmos hosts ‘Art Against Fake News’ exhibition

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 10:40:51 +0000

Dhaka, Apr 6 (UNB)- With a view to promoting arts to reduce the spread of misinformation and fake news, a group exhibition was held on Saturday showcasing works of renowned artists.

The exhibition, ‘Art Against Fake News’, arranged by Gallery Cosmos at Cosmos Atelier71 in city’s Malibagh as part of Cosmos Dialogue on fake news and hate speech arranged by Cosmos Foundation earlier Saturday.

It featured 30 artworks by 24 artists.Prominent artist Mustafa Monwar inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest while artists Samarjit Roy Chowdhury and Rafiqun Nabi were present as the special guests.

Monwar lauded Gallery Cosmos for such a timely endeavour against this menace. “Artists are always against the spread of fake news,” he said.

Samarjit said the country’s artists will spread positive vibes through artworks to prevent the spread of hate speech. Rafiqun Nabi said that cartoon is the best medium to speak against fake news.

President of Association for Accountability and Internet Democracy (AAID) Dan Shefet highlighted the contributions of artists to society. He congratulated the participating artists and appreciated the initiative for such a brave step in today’s world where people are afraid of not being politically correct.

“Artists are the heroes who will take the society forward,” he added.

Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Gallery Cosmos, said he wishes to use the artists’ platform to highlight all the challenges of life.

“The problem is not country specific. It doesn’t respect border. It goes beyond the question of borderlines,” he said about the spread of fake news. “This challenge (against fake news) will bring all the people of the world on one platform.”

United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Chairman Amanullah Khan, alongside artists Biren Shome, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Sourav Chowdhury and Toshihiko Ikeda were present at the inauguration.

The Participating Artists are: Abdul Gaffar Babu, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Alakesh Ghosh, Anisuzzaman Anis, Biren Shome, Bishwajit Goswami, Devdas Malakar, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Kalidas Karmakar, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, Monirul Islam, Mustafa Monowar, Nagarbasi Barman, Nasir Ali Mamun, Nazia Andaleeb Preema, Prashanta Karmakar, Qayyum Chowdhury, Rafiqun Nabi, Rokeya Sultana, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Sourav Chowdhury and Toshihiko Ikeda.

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Cosmos-Atelier71 Printmaking Studio upgraded for art lovers

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 11:20:18 +0000

Cosmos-Atelier71 Printmaking Studio upgraded for art lovers

Dhaka, September 4 (UNB) – The country’s premier printmaking studio, Cosmos-Atelier71, was formally re-launched on Tuesday after renovation works, in an effort to make it an international standard art studio.

It was inaugurated by Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, who was the programme’s chief guest, while special guests included observers of the ongoing 18th Asian Art Biennale, Professor Emeritus Tetsuya Noda and Dr Marek Bartelik, famed artists Jogen Chowdhury, Kalidas Karmakar, Bishwajit Goswami and Chairman of Cosmos-Atelier71 Enayetullah Khan.

Chairman of Cosmos-Atelier71 Enayetullah Khan welcomed the foreign dignitaries from the Asian Art Biennale and thanked everyone for attending the inauguration ceremony of the studio.

He said that the studio is an excellent place to collaborate and share knowledge between artists.

Asaduzzaman Noor thanked everyone for making this event a success and wished to see quality outputs from the studio in the next Biennale.

Artist Jogen Chowdhury thanked Enayetullah Khan and those behind Cosmos-Atelier71 for setting up a studio aiming to elevate the passion of artists rather than keeping it for commercial purposes.

In ten years, he anticipated great outputs from the studio and stressed that the society needs more people like the studio authorities for the greater good.

Biennale observer and Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University Tetsuya Noda heard previously only heard about the studio but was amazed to see it for the first time in person.

Fellow observer and art critic Dr Marek Bartelik said that the studio will remain as a standout achievement for printmaking in Bangladesh in the years to come.

Kalidas Karmakar, who is in charge of Cosmos-Atelier71, urged all artists to try out the studio as it will help them attain better knowledge about printmaking and other genres of art.

The event was attended by eminent Bangladeshi artists such as Syed Jahangir, Biren Shome, Alakesh Ghosh, Abdus Shakoor Shah, as well as international artists whose works are currently exhibiting at the Asian Art Biennale.

They were all later taken on a tour throughout the revamped studio, to have a look at the upgraded facilities and equipments Cosmos-Atelier71 has to offer to artists.

With the objective of upholding international standards, Cosmos Atelier71 is an integral part of the artistic vision Cosmos Group seeks to serve, in the form of a printmaking studio housing state-of-the-art equipment that is extremely rare in Bangladesh.

It aims to break new grounds by acting as an incubator for the emergence of the graphical arts in Bangladesh.

They also offer residency programme for leading artists from around the world where they can experiment with alternative methods and materials.

This combination of residency programme, Gallery Cosmos and their printmaking facilities makes Cosmos Atelier71 one of the most desirable destinations for contemporary arts in South Asia.

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Group art exhibition ‘Life 2019’ begins at Gallery Cosmos

Sat, 23 Mar 2019 11:59:07 +0000

Group art exhibition ‘Life 2019’ begins at Gallery Cosmos

Dhaka, Mar 25 (UNB) – A group art exhibition titled ‘Life 2019’ featuring 39 women artists will begin at Gallery Cosmos in the city’s Mohakhali New DOHS area on Tuesday.

The exhibition, dedicated to all the women of the world, will showcase 39 artworks of the 39 women artists.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Julia Niblett will inaugurate the show at Villa de Anjuman, House 115, Lane 6 of New DOHS, Mohakhali as the chief guest at 6pm while Cornelia Gautschi Holenstein will be present as a special guest.

The participating artists are Afrozaa Jamil Konka, Antara Mehrukh Azad, Asma Akber, Atia Islam Anne, Bipasha Hayat, Dilara Begum Jolly, Dilruba Latif, Elham Huq (Khuku), Fahmida Enam Kakoli, Fahmida Khatun, Fareha Zeba, Farida Zaman, Farzana Rahman Bobby, Ferdowsi Priobhashini, Halide Salam, Hazvineyi Bridget Mutasa, Ivy Zaman, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Kuhu Plamandan, Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, Mini Karim, Nargis Poly, Nasima Haque Quenee, Nasreen Begum, Preema Nazia Andaleeb, Rahima Afroz, Rebeka Sultana, Rokeya Sultana, Rubina Akhter, Samina Nafies, Shantwana Shahrin, Shameem Subrana, Sharbari Roy Choudhury, Shulekha Chaudhury, Sohana Shahreen, Soma Surovi Jannat, Shruti Gupta Kasana, Surovi Akhter and Vinita Karim.

The exhibition will remain open from 12 noon to 8 pm every day till April 9.

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Cosmos Dialogue on Bangladesh-Canada relations in city Saturday

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 14:19:38 +0000

A symposium titled “Bangladesh-Canada Relations: Prognosis for Partnership” will be held in the city on Saturday.

A distinguished panel of foreign affairs experts will attend the symposium to assess the relationship between Bangladesh and Canada in the present context and identify the challenges and opportunities for the future.

Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cosmos Group, will organise the symposium as part of its Ambassador’s Lecture Series that will begin at 10am at Six Seasons Hotel.

Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Md Shahidul Haque will be present at the event as the chief guest while Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Benoit Préfontaine will deliver a lecture on the topic.

Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan will deliver the welcome speech at the symposium to be chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, and former Foreign Affairs Adviser to Bangladesh’s previous caretaker government.

Canada’s commercial relationship with Bangladesh has grown significantly over the last 14 years and the value of bilateral merchandise trade has more than tripled from $600.5 million in 2004 to over $2.4 billion Canadian dollars in 2018, according to Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.

Canada’s response to Rohingya crisis recognizes that the current situation does not have an immediate solution and will require sustained engagement for years to come

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