The Bangladesh Photojournalists Association (BPJA), in collaboration with Amra BNP Poirbar, inaugurated a three-day photography exhibition in Dhaka on Friday, showcasing more than 200 photographs documenting the country’s prolonged anti-fascist movement and the 2024 mass uprising.
Titled “15 Years of Fascism and the Mass Uprising of 2024,” the exhibition opened at the National Press Club on 1 August, bringing together government officials, journalists, academics and members of the public to reflect on one of Bangladesh’s most significant political movements.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, attending as chief guest, said the National Parliament should remain the primary platform for political debate and democratic dispute resolution.
He cautioned against prioritising street politics over parliamentary processes, saying efforts to take minor parliamentary issues to the streets and create confusion through social media were not conducive to democracy.
“As we seek to build a fascism-free Bangladesh with a strong parliamentary culture, greater importance should be given to democratic institutions,” he said.
The minister added that the government preferred constructive dialogue over confrontation but would take necessary action when required in the interests of the state and its citizens.
He also described the exhibition as an important historical archive that would help future generations understand Bangladesh’s long struggle for democracy.
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, who inaugurated the exhibition, described the anti-fascist movement as a prolonged and difficult struggle to restore democracy.
He said the photographs captured the sacrifices, persecution and suffering endured during the 17-year movement and would serve as a reminder of the consequences of authoritarian rule.
The minister also reaffirmed his commitment to building a democratic, developed and prosperous Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said the July mass uprising represented the culmination of years of political repression, deprivation of voting rights and public frustration.
Paying tribute to those who were killed or injured during the movement, he called for justice for their families and urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic values while rejecting mob violence, communal attacks and political intolerance.
He also encouraged journalists and cultural workers to continue defending humanity and democracy.
BPJA President A K M Mohsin praised photojournalists for documenting historic moments under dangerous conditions, often risking their lives while covering political unrest.
He said photojournalists deserved greater state recognition for preserving the country’s history through their work.
Mohsin also thanked Amra BNP Poirbar, saying injured photojournalists had received recognition from BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Presiding over the event, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary and Amra BNP Poirbar Convener Atikur Rahman Rumman said the July movement was the result of a collective effort involving people from all walks of life rather than any single individual or organisation.
He alleged that attempts to claim exclusive credit for the movement contradicted its spirit and called on citizens to work together to build the country.
Rumman also acknowledged the role played by journalists and photojournalists, many of whom continued reporting despite significant personal risks.
The exhibition features over 200 photographs selected from the archives of professional photojournalists and citizen contributors, documenting key moments from years of political unrest and the 2024 mass uprising.
The event attracted a large number of visitors, including journalists, media professionals, students, academics and members of the public.
Among those present were Chief Information Officer Sayed Abdal Ahmed, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Zahidul Islam Rony, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Press Institute Bangladesh Managing Director Basir Jamal, BPJA General Secretary Babul Talukder and Vice-President Mashiur Rahman Sumon.
VIP Motors sponsored the exhibition, while VOD Bangla and Khabar 71 served as media partners.
