Bangladeshi youth have transformed city walls into vibrant canvases, painting murals that reflect their vision for the future. These artworks, created by students in July and August 2024, adorn the streets of Dhaka and other cities across Bangladesh. They are not merely decorative but convey powerful messages from the nation's young people.
The World Bank recognized the importance of these expressions and documented them through a photography assignment. The initiative resulted in an exhibition and a photo book titled "Paint the Sky, Make it Yours," showcasing an inspiring collection of wall art from 12 districts including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Chattogram, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban.
These murals encapsulate themes such as unity, inclusion, women's rights, religious harmony, free speech, education, and environmental protection. The World Bank's documentation culminated in an exhibition at Dhaka's Drik Gallery and a photobook sharing the same title as the exhibition.
Visitors to the exhibition were deeply moved by the artwork. A nine-year-old named Raiysa expressed her desire to paint her dreams for Bangladesh like the artists she admired. Each piece told a story of aspirations ranging from women's empowerment to environmental sustainability.
The event was inaugurated by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck. It highlighted the power of youth to inspire change through art. This initiative aligns with the World Bank’s ongoing strategy for Bangladesh which focuses on creating quality jobs for youths entering the job market each year.
"Paint the Sky, Make it Yours" serves as a testament to Bangladesh’s youth's courage and vision. It is both an artistic expression and a call to action for realizing their potential.