‘Coronay Gonomaddhomer Lorai’ opens at Bangladesh National Museum

A three-day painting and photography exhibition, 'Cornay Gonomaddhomer Lorai' hosted by Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC), was inaugurated today at the Nalini Kanta Bhattasali Gallery of Bangladesh National Museum.

The exhibition features several paintings and 82 photographs, depicting the struggles and woes of journalists during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Renowned artists Shahabuddin Ahmed, Md Moniruzzaman, Gulshan Hossain, Tahmina Hafiz Lisa and Nasir Ali Mamun took part in the exhibition, along with several photographers.

Minster of Information Dr Hasan Mahmud was the chief guest at the event. Photo: Monon Muntaka

During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of journalists across the world lost their lives. Bangladesh lost 37 journalists. The exhibition is dedicated to the 37 brave souls, showcasing the works of 31 deceased journalists. 

The fight for journalists was about preventing the spread of false news, about creating awareness among people and most importantly, about the struggle for existence during these tough times.

"Journalists had to work in extreme conditions and hostile environments during this pandemic, risking their lives," shares Rashed Ahmed, Trustee, BJC. "We aimed to provide a platform for journalists to showcase their hard work."

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest, while the event was presided over by Syed Ishtiaque Reza, Trustee, BJC. The event started with a welcome speech from journalist Manash Ghosh. Khondoker Mustafizur Rahman, Director General, Bangladesh National Museum, Dr Saleh Mahmood Tusher, Director Consultant, Olwel Bd Ltd, artists Md Moniruzzaman, Tahmina Hafiz Lisa and Sharmin Sultana, widow of recently deceased journalist Humayun Kabir Khokon, among other members of BJC, were present at the ceremony.

"Journalists have been working relentlessly since the beginning of the pandemic; their courageous and indomitable spirit is highly commendable," says Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud. "With the second wave of coronavirus coming, I would like to request all journalists to further strengthen the awareness campaign to ensure public safety."

The minister further expressed his thoughts on the importance of documentation and preservation of the heroic works done by the journalists to inspire new generations, years from now.

Mass Media Employees Bill, along with the Broadcast Act is currently in the works and is expected to be passed soon. Dr Hasan Mahmud requested journalists' cooperation in passing the bills, to ensure proper implementation of media laws.

 "Journalists played a crucial role in creating awareness among the general people about coronavirus as well as fighting against various rumours and false news on social media during the pandemic," shares Syed Ishtiaque Reza.

"The horrors of the pandemic we saw in the media from the comforts of our homes, were brought to us by the journalists," shares artist Tahmina Hafiz Lisa. "My work, 'Live' highlighted the journalists who had a strong sense of duty and integrity.

The State Minister for Information, Md Murad Hasan and Health Secretary Abdul Mannan are scheduled to announce the closing of the exhibition on November 25.

The exhibition will be open for all till November 25 from 10:30 am to 5 pm.