Visitors look at displayed photographs at an exhibition titled ‘Rage and Hope’ at the DrikPath Bhobon in Dhaka on Thursday. — Md Saurav

A photography exhibition highlighting the human rights situation in the country was inaugurated at the DrikPath Bhobon in Dhaka on Thursday.

The exhibition titled ‘Rage and Hope’ has been jointly organised by Drik Picture Library and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Dhaka marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, observed globally on December 10.

The exhibition is featuring 29 photographs, one audio installation and one video installation addressing border killings, tea-estate workers’ protests, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, structural discrimination, green protests, working conditions of labourers and more.

In his welcome speech, photographer and activist Shahidul Alam said that the photographs, which were taken under challenging circumstances,  portray both human rights violations and signs of hope.

Senior human rights adviser to the UNRC Huma Khan said that equality for all was still not a reality.

‘We are committed to protecting the rights of Bangladesh’s people,’ she said.

She also said that the exhibition celebrated diverse opinions and views of people coming from different backgrounds.

Photographer Taslima Akhter said that people were not able to speak freely due to the fear of being murdered and enforced disappearances.

‘At present, the common people and workers of the country are faced with a suffocating situation. We want things to change,’ added Taslima.

Coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for the families of the victims of enforced disappearances, Afroja Islam Akhi said that the current state of affairs in the country was well-known to everyone.

She said, ‘Families and loved ones of missing persons are passing their days in extreme difficulty. But, we can see hope because many people, who used to spend their lives indoors, are protesting and speaking out on the streets.’

The exhibition will remain open for everyone till December 18.