Speaking Out
Bangladeshi Press Photography
BANGLADESH

Liberation from colonial rule in 1947, the language movement, the war of liberation in 1971, and resistance against its own military have all been part of the democratic struggle for Bangladeshis. Nature too has taken its toll, but the continuing struggle for Bangladeshis have been against their own elected governments and against the imperial ambitions of wealthy nations, corporations and the ‘adjustments’ imposed by organisations like the IMF and the World Bank and donor organisations.

Throughout Bangladesh’s short history, its women, children, farmers, students, artists and activists and people of all minority groups have rebelled against forces of oppression. Though the nation has one of the worst records for violence against journalists and both the state machinery and business groups with political patronage have had a relatively free hand in attacking media professionals, the nation’s press photographers have continued to speak out against inequality and repression. Lacking the insulation of foreign press credentials, or the shelter offered by political godfathers, they have faced the wrath of both the police and the armed cadres of each entity in power. What has photographically been the right place at the right time has sadly been the wrong place at the wrong time in terms of their own safety, and many have paid dearly in the pursuit of their profession. The work in this exhibition is not so much an expression of their sphere of interest, but more a reflection of their daily lives.

- Shahidul Alam