A photo exhibition featuring the everyday lives, struggles, livelihoods and aspirations of communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) was held at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organized the exhibition, titled “Rising Hills, Beyond the Frame: A Photo Voice,” featuring more than 65 photographs produced through its Partnership for Resilient Livelihoods in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (PRLC) project.
The European Union-funded project is being implemented by MJF through 9 local partner organizations across Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.
European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller said the photographs showed what project documents often cannot capture.
He said the images reflected people gaining greater choices, women and men developing sustainable sources of income, families strengthening their wellbeing, and communities becoming more aware of their rights.
He also said: “The European Union views development cooperation as a way to create conditions in which people can improve their own lives and shape their own futures through stronger capacities, better opportunities and local institutions that respond to people’s needs.”
Dr Mohammad Zakaria, director general of the NGO Affairs Bureau, said the PRLC project goes beyond conventional poverty reduction by helping vulnerable families develop sustainable and climate-smart livelihoods.
He also highlighted the role of women in the process, particularly through expanded economic opportunities and greater participation in decision-making.
UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Rodrigues said photographs provided a deeply human way of connecting people with the lives and experiences of others.
He said the exhibition effectively portrayed the lives, culture, aspirations and hopes of communities in the CHT.
Speaking on behalf of the Nagorikata Civic Engagement Fund, Katharina König said photography could be an important medium for storytelling, civic engagement and representation, particularly for marginalized communities.
UN Women Country Representative Geetanjali Singh congratulated MJF, the European Union and UNDP on the initiative and said it offered important lessons on livelihoods and integrated development. She also appreciated the exhibition’s focus on young women and leadership.
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said the PRLC project aims to help 20,000 households move out of extreme poverty by improving health, nutrition and livelihoods.
She said MJF’s rights-based approach extends beyond economic support to protecting rights and ensuring access to justice when violations occur.
Shaheen Anam also urged the government to prioritize implementation of the unimplemented provisions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, saying this would help local communities rebuild trust and contribute more fully to the region and the country.
MJF governing board member Nirupa Dewan delivered the vote of thanks at the event.
Alongside the exhibition, 2 case-story publications and a photo catalogue were also unveiled.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 5pm on September 16 at the National Art Gallery.
