Hamiduzzaman Khan’s final sculpture, ‘The Industrial Tree’, unveiled at CEZ

A sculpture titled “The Industrial Tree”, designed by Ekushey Padak-winning sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan, has been unveiled at the entrance of the Cumilla Economic Zone (CEZ) of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), standing as a symbol of permanence and continuity.

Commissioned during the final phase of Khan’s career, the work presents industry as a living system, where machines, steel, and human effort connect like the roots of a tree. The artist began work on the sculpture in 2024, preparing its design, selecting materials, and overseeing its placement at the site. However, he passed away on July 20, 2025, before the piece was completed.

Following his death, MGI chose not to alter or reassign the project. Instead, the responsibility of completing the sculpture was entrusted to his wife, painter Ivy Zaman, who had been closely involved throughout its development. She agreed to complete the work while preserving Khan’s original concept, bringing her own artistic interpretation to its final form.

The completed sculpture stands as a rare collaborative work bridging life and legacy. Ivy Zaman refined its surface, patina, and canopy, ensuring continuity with the artist’s vision. It is among the few major public artworks in Bangladesh completed by a surviving spouse who is also an artist.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ivy Zaman described the project as both a personal and artistic honour. She noted that the sculpture represents one of Khan’s final works and a shared creative effort.

MGI Director Tanveer Ahmed Mostafa said the sculpture reflects the organisation’s vision of integrating cultural expression within an industrial setting. He added that the Cumilla Economic Zone is designed as a shared space for local and international manufacturers, with the artwork serving as a defining element at its entrance.

The sculpture carries Khan’s signature minimalist and geometric style. Its grounded base symbolises stability, while the vertical form rises with restraint, culminating in an open canopy that reflects growth and continuity. Positioned at the entrance of an active industrial zone, the work engages directly with workers and visitors, embedding art within the everyday rhythm of industry.

Meghna Group of Industries, with over five decades of operations across sectors including consumer goods, chemicals, energy, and logistics, has longstanding roots in greater Cumilla. Through “The Industrial Tree”, those roots are expressed through a union of industry and art.