The Bangladesh Embassy has honored local youngsters participating in an art exhibition in the South Asian nation.

“This is very helpful in promoting understanding and friendship between the two countries,” Bangladesh Ambassador Shahidul Islam told The Korea Herald during the award ceremony last week.

Three medals and 10 certificates were awarded to Korean students who participated in the 6th International Children-Art Biennale Bangladesh.

“I’m very proud as an ambassador posted in Korea that Korean students won either a medal or certificate in this competition. This is a very great way of promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people contact,” he said.

The biennale was organized by the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, the national academy, which was established by the government for cultural and educational development of children in Bangladesh.

This year, more than 16,000 artworks were received from 17 countries.

Among the Korean participants, 13 young artists won prizes in various categories for paintings and drawings such as cherry blossoms and lotus flowers, rural landscapes, different kinds of sea vessels and even abstract ideas like a portrayal of someone’s earnest wish.

“I really feel very good that so many Korean school students participated in this art competition in Bangladesh,” said Islam. “That means that Bangladesh and Korea don’t consider themselves far away countries.”

The jury was made up of noted Bangladeshi artists and members of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Dhaka.

Islam is also thinking about holding an exhibition showcasing the works by the 13 children and works by Bangladeshi students.

“These youngsters growing up will never forget about their experience that they had with Bangladesh so this is a good connection,” said Islam.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldcorp.com)