To celebrate 24 years of Drik’s establishment, the multimedia organisation held an elaborate programme on August 5 which featured lectures, film screening, street theatre presentation and music.
Internationally acclaimed photo artist Shahidul Alam, managing director of Drik, delivered a speech at the beginning of the occasion.
“Drik is a creative platform to explore ideas and create awareness that can have a significant effect in developing the socio-cultural perspective of the country. Drik also welcomes thought provoking ideas through photographs, which can change the perception of an individual,” he said. On the programme, artist Mustafa Monowar commented: “Alam is an activist who showed that photographs are a strong medium and has an immense effect over the society.”
Drik’s anniversary day was dedicated to honour a legendary Bangladeshi photographer, Golam Kasem Daddy. Also, the yearlong activities of the agency were shown in the programme.
In the show, one of the significant documentaries, “Searching for Kolpona” was screened. Initiated by Alam, the story revolves around a girl Kolpona who was a leftist activist. She was aware of the tortures that are practiced over the indigenous groups.
Her speech and activities caused an uprising in the hill tracks. At the end, Kolpona was abducted by the army. Kolpona’s story was very accurately portrayed in the exhibition, which had a major impact over the society.
In the concluding session, Drik held a cultural programme. A recitation by Jhorna was presented, paying tribute to Kolpona.
The troupe Prachyanat had a street show at the gallery by presenting the exploitation on the garment employees and the dark side of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Nazrul Baul and his group presented popular songs like “Age Ki Shundor Din Kataitam,” “Baula Ke Banailo Re Hason Rajare” and more.
Drik has been working on different social issues by giving a message with an artistic perspective. Drik’s works have been also recognised in the international scenario by organising events such as “Chobi Mela” where prominent international photographers are coming in Bangladesh and appreciating the effort of Bangladeshi photography. Also “Worl Press Photo” organised by Drik is affiliated with international photo agencies.
Alam has not only confined photos only in Bangladesh, he has broader the arena in the international level, where local photographers taking part in the worldwide photo exhibition and representing Bangladesh.
“Pathshala” a photography institution has made photography as a professional and made acceptance to everyone.
Established in 1989, Drik’s major areas of expertise are advocacy and awareness campaigns, production of communication materials, multimedia trainings and many more.
Shahidul Alam, with his passion and determination has made it possible to establish a significant photography agency that gave birth to many promising photographers in Bangladesh. Shahidul Alam is the daring individual who showed the extra judicial killings of the law enforcement group RAB through his courageous exhibit “Crossfire.”
At present, Drik has five departments that include picture agency, photography, publication, audio visual, gallery and event management department.