THE WAYS OF LIFE

Photo: Prabir Das

On a balmy November afternoon on the opening day of the Hay Festival Dhaka 2014, the audience at KKTea Stage caught a glimpse of Bangladesh from within. “Ways of Life” the first book in a series of books titled “Bangladesh: Seen From Within” was launched through a session called “Discovering Bangladesh”.

Shahidul Alam, a pioneering photographer, writer, activist and the founder of Drik and Pathshala, discussed the nuances of photography and different aspects of the book with Fakrul Alam, Professor of English at Dhaka University and Rubana Huq, Managing Director, Mohammadi Group.  

Shahidul Alam talked about the rise of photography in Bangladesh over the last two decades that established this country as a role model in the field of photography.

To Fakrul Alam, the book is like a surprise that reminded him of Rabindranath Tagore's famous lines “Dekha hoynai chokkhu melia” (I haven't seen with these eyes). He observed that the book would draw our attention to the charm and fascination of everyday life that we tend to overlook but which the eyes of the artist transform into enduring images.

Rubana Haq, who wrote the introduction of the book, observed that it's an album of intimacy where the land is represented with glimpses of people, work and passion. The collection, to her, is a story of life told with great technique.

The session opened with a presentation on the book where we got to see the images which, Drik thinks, will act as an ambassador of Bangladesh globally. “Ways of Life” is an ode to photography and a celebration of life as well. As the title suggests, the book has everything – from religion and festivals to water, play, children and living – presented with precision.

Photography crosses the border of mundane and sometimes serves the purpose of a thousand words.  The book will particularly work in introducing Bangladesh to the foreigners from a different angle as many foreigners often think of this country as a place of political turmoil. In addition, it will take many Bangladeshis down the memory lane when they leaf through the pages.

The power of imagination represented through photography will have the readers moved.