The photography contest is aimed at encouraging participants to explore themes of diversity, culture, and coexistence through visual storytelling. Centred on the theme of national diversity and promoting peace among different communities and faiths, the initiative invited participants to capture moments that reflect harmony and togetherness within a diverse society.
The contest was promoted online and through photography institutes, clubs, and societies, with submissions collected digitally along with short descriptions explaining each image. All entries were reviewed by a panel of renowned photographers, with the top three photographs awarded during the closing ceremony. In addition, the best twenty photographs were selected for a public exhibition held at the EMK Center, where they were displayed for two weeks. The exhibition was officially inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests, including the US Ambassador to Bangladesh and a representative from the University of Dhaka.
To extend the reach of the project, selected photographs were also published on the programme’s website and social media platforms, with some featured in print media. A brochure showcasing the selected images along with their stories was produced, further amplifying participant voices.
Through this initiative, the project successfully engaged the public in reflecting on the importance of peace, harmony, and coexistence. It highlighted the rich diversity within the country and reinforced the value of unity across different faiths and backgrounds, encouraging a shared vision of a more inclusive and peaceful society.
main aims
The weeklong activity took place in Dhaka, on 1st to 7th February of 2017. In this week, participants from varying belief, cultural background, educational backgrounds got the opportunity to showcase the photos that focused on our diversity and togetherness. It helped to learn about diverse religious and faith based backgrounds though cultural event, can portray human livelihood through photography, discuss their ideas and concern on the social issues associated with inter-religion, intra-religion and inter-culture.
Evaluation
The weeklong activity brought together students from school, colleges and universities, teachers, youth organizations, civil society under one roof. The key objective of the week was to encourage participation of Bangladeshi youth in having an interfaith dialogue, increase understanding of cultural diversity and in doing so, to attain interfaith and intercultural tolerance in Bangladesh.