Drik Picture Library Honors Photojournalism Excellence in Fifth Annual Exhibition
Photo Collected
Drik Picture Library has inaugurated its fifth annual photojournalism competition and exhibition, showcasing the harrowing and poignant realities captured by media professionals across Bangladesh. The event features 32 curated images selected from approximately 1,600 submissions, representing the work of 202 photographers who documented political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental narratives.
Sajid Hossain, this year’s winner of the Photograph of the Year, captured the emotional aftermath of a chemical plant fire in Mirpur that spread to a neighboring garment factory. His winning image depicts a soldier showing photographs of missing persons to the grieving husband and father of a trapped female worker. Reflecting on the honor, Hossain noted that such platforms are rare in the country and highlighted the importance of Drik’s initiative in providing a stage for professional photojournalism.
The competition recognized excellence across several categories. Mo. Mazharul Islam of the Daily Times of Bangladesh took the top prize in the “People-Centered Journalism and Politics” category, while his colleague, Head of Photography Mo. Mahmud Zaman, received a special commendation. In the “Art, Culture, and Sports” category, Daily Sun’s Tanvin Tamim secured first place, with Abdul Goni of Dainik Odhikar receiving a special mention.
The exhibition also underscored a commitment to supporting emerging talent through the “Indigenous Community Grant 2026,” awarded to Prothom Alo’s Bandarban-based photographer Mong Hai Sing Marma. This grant provides financial support, year-long mentorship, and a platform to present his work at next year’s exhibition. The current display also features works by last year’s grant recipient, Jajong Nokrek.
During the opening ceremony, Drik founder and activist Shahidul Alam emphasized the risks journalists face in the field, stating that the event aims to honor their often-underappreciated contributions. The jury, which included documentary filmmaker Dina Hossain, Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer Munir Uz Zaman, and Shahidul Alam, praised the diversity of the entries, noting a significant increase in the participation of indigenous photographers and a strong focus on women’s political engagement.
Kamal Ahmed, former head of the Media Reform Commission and consulting editor at The Daily Star, served as a special guest at the event. He reiterated the need for systemic support for journalists, noting that recommendations for the establishment of an independent media commission have been submitted to ensure the safety and rights of media workers.
The exhibition is open to the public daily from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will run through August 12.
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