An exhibition examining the pivotal yet increasingly overlooked role of women in the July 2024 anti-discrimination uprising was showcased on Sunday at South Plaza of Bangladesh National Parliament, as part of the 11th edition of Chobi Mela – International Festival of Photography (CM XI).
Titled ‘Women in the July Uprising: Essential Then—Why Erased Now?’, the exhibition was introduced through a guided tour on the festival’s third day, drawing attention to how women were at the forefront of the movement but have since been marginalized in its aftermath following the fall of the autocratic regime.
The event was attended by H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador of European Union to Bangladesh and Head of EU Delegation, as the special guest.
He was joined by Chobi Mela Chief Advisor Shahidul Alam, Festival Director ASM Rezaur Rahman, Artistic Director Munem Wasif, exhibition researcher and photographer Jannatul Mawa and several participating photographers including Istiak Karim (Drik Picture Library), Joyeeta Roy (Bangladesh Protidin) and Suvra Kanti Das (Daily Prothom Alo).
In his remarks, Ambassador Miller emphasized the importance of women’s participation in democratic societies.
He noted that the exhibition reinforces the idea that open and democratic systems are fundamental to resilience and security, adding that the photographs restore women’s visibility as individuals with courage and agency while calling for their equal representation in civic life, politics, media narratives and institutions.
The European Union is a partner of Chobi Mela XI.
Explaining the choice of venue, Shahidul Alam said the festival deliberately brought the exhibition to a public space rather than a conventional gallery.
He said situating the exhibition against the backdrop of the National Parliament was symbolic, as the country continues its struggle to reclaim democratic values rooted in the spirit of the uprising.
Researcher and photographer Jannatul Mawa highlighted the systematic exclusion of women from the political narrative after August 5.
She said that despite women making up half of Bangladesh’s population and playing an active role throughout the movement, they have been sidelined, with some political forces attempting to confine them once again to traditional domestic roles.
Stressing that the movement remains unfinished, she said the struggle for inclusion continues.
Photojournalist Joyeeta Roy reflected on the dangers faced while documenting the uprising, noting that as the movement intensified, risks increased for everyone involved.
Despite the challenges, she said photographers persisted in capturing and presenting the reality on the ground.
The exhibition features works by 25 photographers, including Abdul Goni, Apon Biswas, Ashraful Alom, Derril Audri Roy, Dipu Malakar, Fatima Tuj Johora, Habibul Haque, Istiak Karim, Jibon Ahmed, Joyeeta Roy, Tarik Rahman Emon, Md Sofiqul Islam, Mohammad Jubair, Rajib Dhar, Rayhan Ahmed, Rohet Ali Rajib, Sawrav Das, Sony Ramany, Sultan Mahmud Mukut, Suvra Kanti Das and Taslima Akhter, collectively recalling women’s vital presence during the uprising.
Running for 16 days, Chobi Mela XI is presenting nine exhibitions across five venues in Dhaka; Bangladesh National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Alliance Française de Dhaka, DrikPath Bhaban and National Parliament.
This year’s edition brings together 58 participants from 18 countries across five continents under the theme ‘Re’.
The festival also includes six intensive workshops and an educational outreach programme engaging around 1,000 schoolchildren between January 25 and 29.
Chobi Mela XI will continue until January 31, 2026, inviting audiences from all walks of life to engage with its exhibitions and events.
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