“Faces of Empowerment” at Alliance Francaise
Eminent photographer GMB Akash is exhibiting a series of his works at the La Galerie of the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD). The exhibition, titled “Faces of Empowerment” and organised jointly by AFD and the Embassy of Denmark, was inaugurated on February 20.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor graced the occasion as chief guest while Mikael Hemniti Winther, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh attended the programme as special guest.
In cooperation with the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, GMB Akash has captured 20 photos as part of the “Faces of Empowerment” series - are portrayals of some of the poorest and most stigmatized people in Bangladesh. These are people, who have all been enrolled in Danish-funded development programmes in rural Bangladesh under Danida.
“Faces of Empowerment” shows the faces and tells the stories of people who prevailed when life was unlivable. They are stories of injustice, torture and broken families, but also stories of salvation, strength and economic empowerment.
Akash, with his signature style of striking portraits combined with touching, personal essays, gives these people a voice, offering a rare look into the lives and destinies that do not hit the headlines.
The guest of honor of the inauguration ceremony was 29-year old Rotna from rural Rajshahi. Rotna endured mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband and her in-laws for years. With help from a One-Stop-Crisis Centre at the local public hospital, she managed to escape the violence. Her husband was brought to justice through the One-Stop-Crisis Centre, which is supported by Danida. Today, Rotna owns a beauty parlour in her village and her children attend school.
The exhibition is open to all till February 26, from 3pm-9pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am-12 noon and 5pm-8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
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