Drik Gallery lifted the curtain on an eleven-day photography exhibition on freedom of religion or belief at DrikPath Bhobon at Panthapath in the capital on Friday.

The exhibition titled Building Inclusive Cultures is featuring photographs selected through a photography competition for Bangladeshi nationals organised by Drik Picture Library Bangladesh in collaboration with Freedom of Religion or Belief Leadership Network and The Hunger Project Bangladesh.

Development director at the British high commission in Dhaka Matt Cannell and coordinator of Nijera Kori Khushi Kabir were present as special guests at the exhibition’s inaugural ceremony.

Global vice president and country director of Hunger Project Bangladesh Badiul Alam Majumder and Bangladesh Representative of FoRBLN Shahnaz Karim spoke at the event.

Besides, the organisers distributed awards among winners of the exhibition at the programme.

Drik’s founder Shahidul Alam, photographer KM Asad and ruling Awami League lawmaker for a reserved seat for women Aroma Dutta judged the photography contest.

KM Asad and Shahidul Alam shared their experiences at the programme.

Rakibul Alam Khan won the grand prize while first and second runners-up prizes were won by Sardar Mohammad Rafiul Islam and Rajib Raihan.

The exhibition is featuring 31 photographs taken by 23 photographers.

Rakibul Alam Khan received Tk 1,00,000 as prize money.

His photograph portrays plight of a Dalit family. The photograph shows a birds-eye view of a dead body of a member of the Dalit community. A group of people are standing in a circle with the body in the centre at cremation ground of Dalit community in Nilphamari. The family members are preparing to bury the body as they are unable to bear the cost of cremation.

Sardar Mohammad Rafiul Islam received Tk 50,000 as prize money.

His photograph shows a woman in burqa learning to ride a bicycle at Dhaka University at night.

Rajib Raihan won Tk 25,000 as prize money. His photograph depicts the Covid-19 crisis.

Among others, Kazi Arifuzzaman’s photograph gives the viewers a glimpse into Charak Puja, Prosanjit Kumar’s photograph shows Sandhya Puja, Ab Rashid’s photograph shows a group of children at an orphanage taking care of a child who is unwell, Md Rubel photograph shows trees covered in red ribbons.

Later, Drik will display photographs of the exhibition at different streets in the capital. A virtual version of the exhibition will also be organised to expand its reach nationally and internationally.

Drik also organised a panel discussion on Saturday as part of the event. Badiul Alam Majumder, human rights advocate Faustina Pereira, executive director of Research Initiatives Bangladesh Meghna Guhathakurta and Shahidul Alam participated in the panel.

The exhibition will end on October 31.