Drik presents rare century-spanning photo exhibition in Bandarban

Renowned visual arts organisation Drik is set to unveil a special photography exhibition linked to Bandarban today, showcasing a treasure trove of rare photographs spanning over a century. Titled "With My Own Eyes, On My Own Land", the four-day exhibition will take place at Rajar Math in Bandarban town from May 13 to 16.

The exhibition will be officially inaugurated at 4pm by celebrated photographer and Drik founder Dr Shahidul Alam. Drik's director and anthropologist Rehnuma, will also be present at the event.

According to a press release, the exhibition is part of Drik Picture Library's ongoing effort to preserve Bangladesh's long-overlooked photographic heritage. Since 2017, Drik has been researching the history of photography in the country, with this exhibition focusing on the Bandarban region.

Featuring a striking collection of images taken between 1909 and 2010, the exhibition captures the rich cultural tapestry, natural landscapes, and daily life of Bandarban's indigenous communities. The photographs, some of which are being publicly displayed for the first time, were taken by eight indigenous photographers: Mongwoi Prue, Buddhajyoti Chakma, Cha Thui Prue Marma, Nu Shei Prue, Chinmoy Mro, Chingshoi Prue (Baching), and Mong Shei Mrai Marma.

In addition to the visuals, Drik researchers have gathered oral histories to explore how local communities engaged with photography and camera-based technology across generations. These stories will be presented alongside the images, offering visitors a deeper insight into the lives behind the lens.

The exhibition will remain open to the public every day from 11am to 9pm during its run in Bandarban, inviting visitors to experience a century of visual history rooted in the hills of Bandarban.