Drik Gallery unveiled the Bangladesh Press Photo Exhibition 2024 this evening, honoring the outstanding work of the nation's press photographers.

The exhibition, featuring 30 powerful images from the 3rd annual Bangladesh Press Photo Contest (BPPC), offers a glimpse into the social, political, and cultural landscape of Bangladesh in 2023.

The contest, initiated by Drik in 2022, attracted nearly one thousand submissions from photojournalists across the country.

Drik's Managing Director Shahidul Alam, also a BPPC jury member, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the contest's unique public interest journalism category.

He commended the photographers' courage in capturing the exhibited images,highlighting their contribution to elevating Bangladeshi photography on the global stage.

Fellow jury members Amal Akash, Monirul Alam, Shoeb Faruquee, and Tasmima Hossain shared insights into the contest's judging process, praising the quality and diversity of submissions.

Jury member Amal Akash, a painter and musician, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the judging process, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Monirul Alam encouraged future contestants to think outside the box, emphasizing the value of unique and unconventional photographs. Shoeb Faruquee echoed this sentiment, urging photojournalists to constantly seek new perspectives and innovative approaches.

Tasmima Hossain acknowledged the challenges faced by photojournalists and stressed the need for training and development to nurture young talent.

Quddus Alam of Focus Bangla was awarded the prestigious Picture of the Year 2023, receiving Tk 1,00,000 in prize money. He credited his wife for her unwavering support throughout his journey as a photographer, which began in 1978.

Six additional photographers were recognized across three categories:

●     Arts, Culture, and Sports: Kazi Golam Kuddus Helal (FIAP) and Honorable Mention Piyas Biswas (Newsbangla24.com)

●     Politics: Md. Sazid Hossain (Daily Prothom Alo) and Honorable Mention Nayem Ali (Business Standard)

●     Public Interest Journalism: Syed Mahmudur Rahman (Dainik Bangla) and Honorable Mention Abdul Goni (Daily Ittefaq)

Each winner received Tk 50,000, while honorable mentions received Tk 10,000, along with crests and certificates.

Denim Chakma was awarded the Indigenous Community Grant 2024, receiving Tk 50,000. Chakma, the second recipient of the grant since its inception in 2023, shared the challenges of capturing images in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, describing it as a constant "war situation."

Photographer and writer Jannatul Mawa, who announced the grant, expressed her admiration for Chakma's work. The exhibition also features photographs by the first grant recipient, Paddmini Chakma.

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