President Abdul Hamid on Friday urged all to use photography for transforming the world into a land of peace and harmony as it is the ultimate desire of entire mankind.
“We can use photography as a tool of social change by its immortal touch. Let’s use photography for transforming the globe into a land of peace and harmony which is the ultimate desire of entire mankind,” he said.
Abdul Hamid was addressing the opening ceremony of the 8th Chobi Mela, an international festival of photography, at Shilpakala Academy in the city. Observing that the importance of photography is immense, the President said it not only captures the event but also depicts the time also. “It carries eventful time from past to present.”
“The photos of our great language movement, devastating cyclone in 1970, the historic speech of Bangabandhu on March 7, 1971, war of liberation and the surrender of Pakistani Army at the then Race Course Maidan in 1971 inspired us and ignite the new generation with patriotism.
Bangladesh is a rich land of art and culture since time immemorial, the President mentioned, saying many world famous artists such as Shilpachariya Zainul Abedin, SM Sultan, Kamrul Hassan and many illustrious sons were born in this region and elevated the country to a great height in the international arena by presenting their time-tested arts.
At the programme, legendary photographer of Bangladesh Anwar Hossain was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to photography.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director of Chobi Mela Dr Shahidul Alam, New York Times Lens Blog Editor James Estrin, Global Director of Photography of GEO Magazine Ruth Eichhorn, also spoke on the occasion.