A newly inaugurated photography exhibition entitled “EMBER”, showcasing the celebrated works of Bangladeshi photojournalist GMB Akash, has opened at Gallery 350 in the Maldives to highlight human perseverance, dignity, and daily life.
Organised by Gallery 350, the collection displays images capturing the lived experiences of workers, children, households, and local populations across Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and neighbouring areas.
Over several decades, Akash has dedicated his lens to spotlighting marginalised groups often overlooked by mainstream media. Rather than depicting poverty through conventional tropes of suffering, his photography emphasises individual dignity, hope, personal bonds, humour, and strength.
The inauguration brought together key dignitaries, including High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives Md Nazmul Islam, alongside Japan’s ambassador, diplomats representing Sri Lanka, China, and the United States, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, local art circles, Maldivian citizens, and foreign residents.
Speaking at the launch, Nazmul described “EMBER” as a bridge for mutual understanding between the populations of Bangladesh and the Maldives rather than merely an art display.
He highlighted that artistic expression and culture serve as vital instruments of soft power and public diplomacy, enabling a country to convey its values and identity through human-centred narrative building.
Nazmul noted that ties between the two nations extend well past official government dialogues, economic trade, and population movement to form deep societal bonds.
He observed that art possesses a singular capacity to establish connections where words fail, crossing geographical borders, languages, and national frontiers to forge immediate human empathy.
Consequently, he framed cultural diplomacy as a core component of Bangladesh’s broader diplomatic ties with the Maldives.
Expanding on his concept termed the “Power of Bonding,” the high commissioner explained that international ties endure when grounded in shared familiarity, empathy, and mutual understanding.
He referenced existing links between the two Indian Ocean nations spanning historical ties, educational exchange, commerce, tourism, worker mobility, and cultural engagement.
He added that “EMBER” allows the Maldivian public to view Bangladesh through the authentic experiences and emotions of its citizens rather than solely through a diplomatic or geopolitical lens.
Photographer Akash shared reflections on the individuals featured in his photographs, urging society to uphold the humanity and dignity of those living on the margins.
He stressed that his project portrays marginalised populations as individuals endowed with aspirations, relationships, and dreams rather than mere victims of hardship.
Akash advocated for equitable remuneration, safe working environments, and genuine respect for labourers whose work frequently goes unrecognised.
He urged viewers to look past statistical figures and stereotypes to see the real individuals behind them.
The High Commission of Bangladesh praised the exhibition as a crucial avenue for bolstering bilateral cultural exchanges and public ties.
The gathering of diplomats, residents, Bangladeshi expatriates, and foreign guests fostered meaningful dialogue surrounding shared human stories and artistic expression.
Official representatives noted that such initiatives enhance public awareness of Bangladesh while proving how the nation’s creative sector can advance its global soft power footprint.
The exhibition will run at Gallery 350 in the Maldives from 20 September until 15 October 2026.
The Bangladesh High Commission has invited members of the diplomatic corps, local Maldivian citizens, Bangladeshi expatriates, art lovers, students, and public to visit the display.
