World Press Photo Exhibition begins at Drik Gallery

The World Press Photo 2024 exhibition, organised by Drik Picture Library, as part of its partnership with the World Press Photo Foundation, has begun at Drik Gallery in Dhaka.

The 16-day exhibition showcases the finest of photojournalism and documentary photography from around the world, selected by an independent jury based on the results of the foundation's annual photo contest.

At the opening ceremony on Friday evening, Irma van Dueren, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, United Nations; and Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Drik and ex-jury board chair for the World Press Photo contest, were present to reflect on the exhibition and the context of its Dhaka edition.

The event was moderated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, coordinator for the Asian region of the World Press Photo Contest 2024.

Regarding the relationship between the embassy, WPPF and Drik, Shahidul Alam said, “When we first decided to have the WPP exhibition here at Drik in 1993, one of the conditions was that it be shown in a country where it could not be censored. Some pictures are sensitive, and the precondition is that all have to be exhibited unedited. Through this exhibition, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate reaching press freedom in Bangladesh for democracy and at a particular point in time, when we are looking forward work for the nation we want.”

Ambassador Irma van Dueren said, “This exhibition is not only an exhibition we see for photojournalism and most journalists who do not have access to technology but also a very strong message through their images.”