Photography exhibition explores Manipuri life and heritage in Bangladesh
A group photography exhibition documenting the life, culture and traditions of the Manipuri community in Bangladesh opened at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Art Gallery in Banglamotor on December 12.
Titled "Manipuri: An Ethnic Community of Bangladesh", the nine-day exhibition brings together visual narratives by photographers Kawsar Somel, Mohd Ashabul Haque Nannu and Mohammed Harun Ar Rashid. The project has been developed under the mentorship of photographer and educator K M Jahangir Alam, who also serves as the exhibition's curator.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The exhibition is part of a long-term documentary initiative that has been underway for the past three years, focusing on the everyday lives, rituals and social fabric of the Manipuri community. According to the organisers, the displayed works represent the initial phase of a broader visual archive, with future documentation planned in the coming years.
Through a series of photographs, the exhibition captures beautiful moments from Manipuri festivals, dance traditions, domestic life and childhood rituals, offering an intimate look at a community known for its rich cultural heritage. The images reflect both celebratory occasions and personal moments, highlighting how tradition continues to shape contemporary life.
Speaking at the inauguration, curator K M Jahangir Alam said the exhibition aims to go beyond aesthetic representation and instead engage viewers in conversations about identity, continuity and cultural preservation. "This is not a concluding project," he noted. "It is the beginning of a longer journey of documenting lives and stories that often remain unseen."
The exhibition also provides visitors with insights into the photographers' working process, their long-term planning, and the ethical responsibilities involved in documentary practice. Informational panels alongside the photographs outline the historical background of the Manipuri community and the motivations behind the project.
The exhibition is open to the public daily from 4pm to 9pm until December 20. The inauguration took place on December 12 at 4pm at Room 402, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Banglamotor, Dhaka.
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