Dhaka will host the 11th edition of Chobi Mela, Asia’s premier photography festival, from January 16 to January 31, 2026.
Organisers announced the festival on Saturday during a press conference held at DrikPath Bhaban in the Panthapath area. This year carries the theme ‘Re’ and will run across five venues.
Drik Picture Library and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute jointly organise Chobi Mela, which began in 2000. Over two decades, the festival has grown into one of the world’s most demographically inclusive photography platforms.
Chief Advisor Dr Shahidul Alam, Festival Director ASM Rezaur Rahman and artistic directors Munem Wasif and Sarker Protick attended the announcement.
Photographer researcher Jannatul Mawa and Pathshala Education Director Khandaker Tanvir Murad also joined the press conference. Recalling early challenges, Shahidul Alam said organisers first planned Chobi Mela in 1994 but cancelled due to nationwide strikes. He added that the team decided the festival would continue regardless of political uncertainty or external pressures.
Speaking further on the issues, Shahidul Alam added that even threats of tanks on streets during 2000 did not stop the festival’s progress, noting that Chobi Mela now emphasises mentorship and community building through Pathshala’s students and teachers.
Chobi Mela XI will be consecutively hosted at the Bangladesh National Museum, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Alliance Française de Dhaka, DrikPath Bhaban and the Parliament premises.
This edition features works by 58 participants from 18 countries, exploring photography’s evolving role globally.
Artistic directors said exhibitions at Shilpakala Academy examine links between history, people and environment through diverse practices.
Key artists include Adam Broomberg, Ernest Cole and Syed Muhammad Zakir, alongside nine major exhibitions.
Three solo exhibitions highlight works by Alessandra Sanguinetti, Bani Abidi and veteran photographer Amanul Huq.
Jannatul Mawa curates an exhibition focusing on women’s roles in Bangladesh’s anti discrimination July movement.
Another exhibition titled DHEU presents research by nine Chobi Mela Fellows, supported by Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation.
Pathshala will host six workshops, 16 public talks, guided tours, portfolio reviews and extensive educational outreach programmes.
Patronised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, 11th edition of Chobi Mela runs until January 31, welcoming audiences from all backgrounds.
