Weekend Tribune Vol 2 Issue 36

Dhaka Tribune | vo l 2 I ssu e 36 | F R I D AY, J A N UA RY 23, 2015

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Quizzical queries

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Swaraswati Puja

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Architect Fumihiko Maki

CONTENTS

1

Volume 2 | Issue 36 | January 23, 2015 News

Editor Zafar Sobhan

2 News

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

3 Meanwhile

Weekend Tribune Team Farhana Urmee Faisal Mahmud Farina Noireet Tausif Sanzum Art Direction/Photography Syed Latif Hossain Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo Contributors Jennifer Ashraf Gopa B Ceasar Rajib Dhar Amer Habib Raad Rahman Faiham Ebna Sharif Dina Sobhan

Features 4 TOP 10 Quizzical queries 5 Feature Swaraswati Puja

9 Photo story

6 Digital Bangladesh Community radio 8 Interview Architect Fumihiko Maki 13 Environment Climate change research 16 Rant Beauty is skin deep

Dhallywood

Regulars 14 Legalese

Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Tahsin Momin

15 Tough Love

Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal

18 Stay In 19 Go Out

Advertisement Zia Ur Rahman Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/weekend facebook.com/WeekendTrib Email your letters to: weekend@dhakatribune.com

20 Tea with WT Saiful Huq Omi

Editor’s note

A thousand words Dear Readers,

On the cover “Reality” is hardly “real” in Bengali films. It’s always a mix of parables, mythology, magic and dreams.

The audience, who are mostly the working class, always prefer to take the journey into the world of imagination when they are inside the magic box called cinema hall.

They are in constant search of their unfulfilled desires on the screen of cinema.

Photo: Faiham Ebna Sharif

If a picture is worth a thousand words, this issue has a lot to say.

With Chobi Mela revving up for a killer season, we’re in the mood for photos, art, and other visual media.

We’re starting on a lighter vein with the common questions real photographers face from the DSLR minded amateurs (page 4).

Join us for a cup of tea with Saiful Huq Omi, as he talks about the power of photography to transform societies (page 20). We’ve also interviewed Fumihiko Maki about the art of architecture (page 8).

If the lack of access to Viber

and Whatsapp have you bummed, perhaps the radio can cheer you up? Check out our coverage on community radio (page 6).

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it’s also important to remember that it’s often only skin deep. We’ve got a musings piece on that very subject (page 16).

The piece de resistance this week is our special photo story, which takes you straight to the magic of the movies in our very own Dhallywood (page 9). Have a great weekend!

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

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2 News | This week

The world at a glance Weekend Tribune Desk

Nigerian officers face court martial over Boko Haram Nigeria has ordered a brigadier general and 21 other army officers to face a court martial over alleged sabotage in the war against Islamist militant group Boko Haram, two military sources said on Tuesday.

The charges were not specified.

Some officers have long been suspected of colluding with Boko Haram, with President Goodluck Jonathan saying in May that the Sunni jihadist group had “infiltrated ... the armed forces and police.”

This is the first time senior army officers have been put on trial for offences relating to the fight against

Boko Haram.

The militant group killed an estimated 10,000 people last year in its battle to revive a medieval caliphate in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and its biggest energy producer.

Photo: AP

Obama says US, not China, must write trade rules Anti-Muslim incidents soar in France in wake of Paris attacks The number of anti-Muslim incidents in France has soared since the Islamist attacks in Paris two weeks ago, an organisation that tracks Islamophobia said Monday.

The National Observatory Against Islamophobia said 116 anti-Muslim incidents had been reported to the authorities since the January 7-9 shooting spree by three French jihadists that killed 17.

The two-week tally was more than double the number of incidents recorded for the full month of January 2014, the observatory said, reporting 28 attacks on places of worship and

88 threats.

The observatory’s president, Abdallah Zekri condemned the “acts of hatred towards French people of the Muslim faith, the immense majority of whom respect the values of the Republic and secularism.”

“This situation is unacceptable and we’re asking the authorities to go beyond the reassuring speeches and act to put an end to this scourge,” he said.

Islam is France’s second-biggest religion with an estimated 3.5-5 million followers.

Photo: Reuters

President Barack Obama said on Tuesday, the United States and not China must write trade rules for Asia and called on Congress to give the White House a freer hand to close trade deals.

Obama, who is pushing to overcome resistance to so-called fast-track authority from within his own party as well as conservative Republicans, said if China prevailed, US workers and businesses would be at a disadvantage.

“That’s why I’m asking both parties to give me trade promotion authority

PM: Khaleda will face trial for killing

Russia may send S-300 missile system to Iran Russia might deliver a longoverdue S-300 air defense missile system to Iran, honouring a contract that was cancelled in 2010 following strong pressure from the West, Iranian and Russian media said on Tuesday.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is visiting Tehran and signed an agreement with Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan to boost

cooperation, Iran’s Fars semiofficial news agency said.

Fars said the two countries would resolve problems with the delivery of the advanced missile system, while Russia’s RIA state news confirmed the issue was once again under discussion.

“A step was taken in the direction of cooperation on the economy and arms technology, at least for such defensive systems such as the S-300 and S-400.

Probably we will deliver them,” RIA quoted Colonel General Leonid Ivashov as saying.

Ivashov is the former head of the defence minister’s department of international cooperation.

Photo: Reuters

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to protect American workers, with strong new trade deals from Asia to Europe that aren’t just free, but fair,” he said in the State of the Union address, also acknowledging past deals had not always “lived up to the hype.”

China is not part of the TransPacific Partnership the United States is negotiating with 11 other trading partners, which aims to set common standards on issues such as workers’ rights and the environment as well as lower trade barriers.

Holding her archrival responsible for the death of the victims of the past days’ violence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in parliament that Khaleda Zia would have to face trial in a murder case as the main accused.

“What Khaleda Zia is doing cannot be called a movement, rather militant activities, or acts of terrorism ...

None of those who are involved in the killings, will be spared,” the PM warned.

Senior leaders from the ruling Awami League and main opposition Jatiya Party also spoke on the same issue.

Questioning BNP Chairperson

Khaleda Zia’s integrity, Hasina inquired: “How will she protect democracy by killing innocent people?”

The prime minister also called upon people to form committees in each neighbourhood to combat terrorism

and militancy.

Talking about militancy, Hasina said: “Someone (international powers) has been creating chaos wherever there are Muslims in the world. Bangladesh is a country where people from all religions have been coexisting and practicing their beliefs peacefully, although 90% of the people are Muslims.”

She said Khaleda did not take part in the elections last year in order to take the country into an unconstitutional system and the people of the country should not pay for her mistakes.

Source: Dhaka Tribune

meanwhile ... | News

3

You’re welcome

Photo of the week

How to recognise a stalker Dating is fun, but it can be scary, too. You may know there are stalkers out there, but perhaps you don’t realise they are not always obvious about what they’re doing. In fact, some may be so intrinsically jealous and possessive that they don’t realise their behaviour can be considered stalking. Here’s how to recognise stalkers just by their questioning patterns.

“Who was there?” It’s not intrusive for a new friend to ask, “I hope you had a good time?” when you’re busy elsewhere.

But it can be a warning sign if they probe for more details, either before or after your event.

A group of street children, on a winter afternoon at Suhrawardi Udyan, have fun together in a sort of tug-of-war, while pulling at a rope which they have tied to a dead branch of a tree.

Photo: Rajib Dhar

Say Two More Planets May Be Hiding At The Edge Of Our Solar System what?

It turns out that two undiscovered planets bigger than Earth may be lurking at the icy edge of our solar system well beyond Pluto.

That’s according to a team of British and Spanish astronomers, who came to that conclusion after observing the strange behavior of more than a dozen faraway space rocks, called “extreme trans-Neptunian objects” (ETNOs).

“The exact number is uncertain, given that the data that we have is limited, but our calculations suggest that there are at least two planets, and probably more, within the confines of our solar system,” Dr. Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, a researcher at the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain who was part of the team, said in a written statement.

News and photo: The Huffington Post

“I thought you logged off the site, but I noticed you were still online?” If you use social sites or online dating services, other users can often tell when you’re online. If you’ve met someone who “accidentally notices” when you’re online, pay attention to how it makes you feel, and examine whether it might be stalking behaviour.

“I happened to drive by your house (or apartment) and I noticed someone was there.

Are you okay?” This is a very sneaky question – it sounds oh-so-concerned and caring.

It’s not. It’s a nosy question stemming from insecurity and possessiveness. Give me a break – unless you live next door or on the direct path this person takes to and from work, nobody “just happens” to drive by where you live. See it for what it is – he or she is checking up on you.

“Oh, you have a doctor’s appointment (or surgery, or whatever)? I’ll take off work and take care of you.” I have known people who, in an effort to inject themselves further into someone’s life, actually tried to manipulate themselves into being the caregiver after someone had surgery. This friendly offer may not be so friendly if you are not far enough along in a relationship to share such medical events together.

Source: Huffington Post

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top 10 | Quizzical queries

The photographer’s woes In this day and age, where every third person with a DSLR camera claims to be a photographer, the ‘real’ photographers are in for a shock. These absurd questions will baffle even the most sane of them Tausif Sanzum

Most photographers have a Facebook or Tumblr account where they upload their work. Since these are easily accessible, a lot of times people end up using their work without permission. Upon being questioned about this image theft, the common excuse is: I am sorry, but since you uploaded your picture on Facebook, we thought you would be okay with us publishing it.

“What model camera do you use?”

It is a widely believed myth that the quality of photographs depends solely on the model of the camera the photographer uses. However, the truth is that skills rule over the weapon you use.

Can you make me look slimmer, fairer and tanner with flawless skin?

No I cannot, I am a photographer, not God.

Will it cost less if you just do the photoshoots and leave the editing to us?

True that good photoshoots cost a fortune. But how does that justify you asking?

I love most of the pictures you delivered.

However, can you re-edit a few of them?

The photographer has finished the grueling shooting schedule. The postproduction work on the selected pictures is also over. The pictures are delivered to the client. Post that, starts the long list of complaints which the clients expect the photographer to incorporate in the pictures. While minor adjustment can and are always made, for major changes it is unfair to expect the photographer to work for free.

Can you replicate the Vogue cover of this month?

Remember the last time you asked a photographer to replicate a picture captured by Mario Testino or anyone famous? How about if the photographer asks you to pay him/her the same amount Testino charged?

When friends and family expect a photographer to take pictures for free or very little money.

Dost, take a profile picture for me nah?

Thank you for capturing the magical moments of our wedding. Can you give all the edited 400 pictures by next week?

No matter how professional your photographer is, you cannot expect him to be Superman.

Editing hundreds of pictures within a short period of time and expecting quality products is pushing the envelope way too hard.

Bhaiya, your photoshop work is awesome. Where did you learn to work on it?

When you give more credit to a software over a person’s work.

Do these new kids think that with Photoshop they can compare with our photographic and aesthetic calibre?

A newbie photographer is always under the pressure of being compared to senior ones. Just because older photographers have more experience, it does not justify some of them thinking that only they have the license to click. While there is enough room for everyone, badmouthing in the same circle is sure to get on someone’s nerves. n Photo: Miftah Rahman

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Swaraswati Puja | Feature

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Celebration of wisdom and creativity The goddess of wisdom is celebrated in her home turf - the country’s largest educational institution Gopa B Caesar

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nowledge and education in the Indian subcontinent has always been associated with music, art and scriptures. Hinduism defines the devi Swaraswati, one whose many symbols is the holy Veena (a musical instrument that symbolises poetry and music), to be the mother of the Vedas – the holy scriptures of Hinduism. Thus professors and academic practitioners are known to be devotees of devi Swaraswati.

Among goddess Swaraswati’s many devotees are students, who pray to her particularly before their exams, as well as writers and music composers who seek the devi’s blessing in the hopes of her bestowing upon them some creativity.

But the ritualistic time to worship the goddess is the fifth day after the full-moon during the month

of Magh each Bangla year. This invocation or puja is performed by many educational institutes in Bangladesh, but the most renowned annual Swaraswati puja is hosted at Jagannath Hall, the non-Muslim students’ dormitory at the University of Dhaka.

Previously, this puja was carried out in small scale, in different rooms of the students, but today it is done in a much grander scale including participation by everyone at the hall as well as outsiders.

To accommodate the huge crowd that assembles every year, it is now held at the playground adjacent to the Naat Mandir within the hall.

The preparations for this grand festival begins almost a month ahead, with students raising funds in the form of “chanda” and donations from alumni, professors, prominent

When at the event: Checking in at Jagannath Hall The ceremonies for the puja will begin at daybreak of January 25. If you want to catch the morning puja, make sure to be there at 7am.

There are four gates to enter this enormous dorm. Two of the them will be open: The one that faces the Engineering University School, and the one opposite Shamsunnahar Hall.

Dress code The Bangali outfit sets the trend of this day – saris, dhotis and panjabis rule, with the predominant colours being white and red.

For anjali seekers You need to get up early to have a proper bath, preferably with fresh turmeric and neem leaves. At the venue, you must follow the incantation of the Brahmin while sitting with flower-petals and holy leaves in the palm of your hands. Do not panic if you accidentally miss out the mandap, where you had planned on offering anjali – Jagannath Hall will have more than 60 mandaps!

personalities and other students.

The show that Jagannath Hall offers is incomparable, and it is the largest puja mandap devoted to goddess Swaraswati in Bangladesh.

Nearly half a million devotees and visitors flow in right from the time of the morning anjali till darkness falls, and the festive lights are on full swing.

The puja ends with the arati nrittya that starts after 10pm, where everyone, irrespective of their social status and religious identities, join in to dance with clay pots containing burning coal and/or incense in hand.

Probably the most famous contributor to this grand occasion at Jagannath is Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself, who has made regular donations for the puja since

she herself was a student at the university.

Even though a puja, the event is organised as a celebration for all, especially on the following day, when the preceding day’s puja mandap is replaced by a concert stage, which attract thousands of music lovers.

The students of Charukala at the Institute of Fine Arts also set up an exclusive floating mandap on the lake within the dormitory premises.

Each year, one batch is assigned the entire project and all the students, irrespective of their religious backgrounds, work together with fervour. And thus, this event has transcended its religious boundaries and has grown into a celebration for all Bangalis. n

Gopa B Caesar is a lecturer at BUET and a Master student at University of Dhaka

Photo: Rajib Dhar

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6 Digital Bangladesh | Community radio

Opening a new door of communication How the advent of community radio has helped improve the lives of people in rural Bangladesh Faisal Mahmud

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hen cyclone Mahasen was about to hit the coast of Bangladesh in May this year, 16 fishing boats with more than 80 fishermen from Shyamnagar Upazila’s Koikhail union were out at sea. Fortunately, they were able to make it safely back to shore after hearing news of the impending weather through Radio Nalta.

This community radio has become a friend to the people of Satkhira’s coastal belt during disaster and distress. About 80,000 fishermen of the area regularly listen to this station. In addition to Radio Nalta, five other community radios have also become sources for aid during disasters for the people of the coastal regions of Bangladesh.

The launch of a total of 14 community radios has introduced a new era of mass communication in the country. These radios are currently broadcasting a total of 101.5 hours of daily programmes including weather forecasts and entertainment.

Moreover, talk shows attended by public representatives are also broadcast to allow listeners to engage in lively participation on different social issues. Agricultural officers are also invited to hold discussions with the listeners, in a bid to create more awareness on agricultural issues.

A total of 536 young men and women are now working as rural broadcasters in community radio stations. A total of 125 members are now involved in community radio management committees from the rural community and trying to achieve the ownership at the local level.

How it began

The journey for establishing community radio in Bangladesh was not a smooth one. Community radio activists have been trying to establish the concept for the last 20 years. “But there was no systematic or centralised approach to give that demand a fruitful result,” AHM Bazlur Rahman, chief executive officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) said.

“As a result, the government acknowledged the importance of community radio and formulated the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast & Operation Policy,” said Rahman.

“Bangladesh was the second country in South Asia in formulating policy for community radio,” he added.

He said that after the formulation of the policy, around 200 organisations applied for establishing community radios following a circular from the information ministry. Three committees – national regulatory committee, technical sub-committee and central monitoring committee – sorted out 116 applications and sent their information to the home ministry for security clearance.

“After a long fought battle with the telecom regulator and the ministry of information about various issues, finally on October 2011, Radio Padma in Rajshahi started its broadcasting operation,” said Rahman.

Soon after its launching, Radio Padma became massively popular as a media among people from all walks of life. Rahman confirmed: “Now the station has a listener base of three lakh, among whom thousands are regularly giving their feedback about

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Short descriptions about the CRs 1: Radio Padma - Rajshahi • Currently broadcasts 18 hours of programmes • Supported by a team of 30 volunteers • Managed by Centre for communication and development (CCD) Bangladesh 2: Radio Nalta - Satkhira • Currently broadcasts 12 hours of programmes • Supported by a team of 282 volunteers • Managed by Nalta Hospital and Health Foundation 3: Lokbetar - Barguna • Currently broadcasts four hours of programmes • Supported by a team of 20 volunteers • Managed by Mass-line media centre 4: Radio Pallikantho - Moulvibazar • Currently broadcasts four hours of programmes • Supported by 20 volunteers • Managed by BRAC 5: Radio Sagar Giri - Chittagong • Currently broadcasts five hours of programmes daily • Supported by 30 volunteers • Run by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) 6: Radio Mahananda - Chapai Nawabganj • Daily seven hours of programmes • A total of 20 volunteers • Managed by Proyas Manobik Unnyan Society

7: Radio Mukti - Bogra • Currently broadcasting eight hours of programmes • Run by 105 volunteers • Supported by Landless distressed Rehabilitation Organisation 8: Radio Chilmari - Rangppur • Daily two hours of programmes • Run by 10 volunteers • Managed by RDRS 9: Radio Jhenuk - Jhinaidah • Currently broadcasts 12 hours of programmes daily • Supported by a group of 30 volunteers • Run by Srizony Bangladesh 10: Krishi Radio - Barguna • Daily four hours of programmes • Supported by 60 volunteers • Run and managed by Agricultural Information Service 11: Radio Naf - Technaf • Currently broadcasts four hours of programmes daily • supported by 30 volunteers • Run by Alliance for cooperation and legal aid Bangladesh 12: Radio Sundarban - Khulna • Broadcasts five and half hours of programmes • Supported by 12 volunteers • Run by Broadcasting Asia Bangladesh (BAB) 13: Radio Bikrampur - Bikrampur • Daily four hours of programmes • 15 volunteers • Run by Environment Council Bangladesh Photo: Courtesy

the radio’s programmes through SMS.” According to Rahman 13 more radio stations were gradually set up throughout the country. “These radio stations are gaining huge acceptance in different communities. People have started to see them as a media for having entertainment as well as information,” he said.

Challenges for community radio

Amin Al Rasheed, senior reporter and presenter of ABC radio and a trainer of community radio said that the biggest challenge so far has been to increase

the community’s participation in the radio programmes, as well as ensuring people’s partnership.

“The basic principle of the community radios is to see the members of the community run their own station, broadcast their own problems and potentials in their own way and supervise the overall operations at the station,” he said, adding that the community radios are yet to ensure spontaneous participation from local people.

Rasheed said, another problem is that the managing bodies have termed the financial strains as the

biggest challenge. “Most of the radios have not taken any effective steps to broadcast commercial advertisements, although community radio regulations allow the airing of development advertisements,” he said.

He said that due to this lack of selfearning sources, the radios have to depend on funding from entrepreneur organisations. “So the volunteer employees are not getting any salary or incentive for their efforts,” said Rasheed.

Rasheed pointed out that lack of skilled manpower is another

challenge faced by community radios, although workers and volunteers of all the radios have gone through several training programmes. But more training on technical sector, on operating the instruments and on producing and editing news bulletins are also essential for the stations.

According to him, another big challenge is the power crisis. “The transmissions remain suspended for a long period of time due to load shedding, while the cost of generators is too high for the station to bear,” he said. n

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8 Interview | Architect Fumihiko Maki

Master Maki designs from the heart I understand you visited the Bangladesh parliament. What did you think?

Oh, it’s a great building. There is more to it than what I have seen and guessed through pictures.

Being there was wonderful.

As I mentioned in my presentation: To see a great building is to meet a great person.

Photos: Courtesy

The Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki talks about ‘meeting’ great buildings, the trouble with too much money, and keeping the love for the profession Amer Habib

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major figure in the world of architecture, Fumihiko Maki was in Dhaka last week to speak at engageDhaka, an international architectural conference hosted by Bengal Foundation on January 15-17 at Army Museum.

He was one of 14 prominent architects who spoke at the event. Convened by Bangladeshi architect Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury, the conference aimed to “raise the level of general awareness related to good design and intellectual possibilities.”

The 86-year-old Japanese legend has received several major awards, such as the International Union of Architects (UIA) Gold Medal, the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal and the Pritzker Prize – often regarded as the “Nobel Prize of architecture.”

Maki studied architecture at University of Tokyo, Cranbook Academy of Art and Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He started his practice, Maki and Associates, in Tokyo in 1965. Some of his most prominent works include: the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, World Trade Center 4 in New York, MIT Media Lab in Boston, the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, and Spiral in Tokyo.

I got a chance to speak to Maki after his presentation last Friday, and was surprised to find him full of wonder about his world, and still humble after a lifetime of accolades.

What was it like growing up in Tokyo?

I lived in a white modern house designed by one of my uncles.

After 50 years we decided to rebuild it, designed by me, on the same spot. So I’ve been living in the same place the whole of my life. That’s quite rare among Tokyoites.

How did you decide to become an architect?

I originally wanted to study aeronautical engineering, but I finished high school at the end of World War II, and it was forbidden. So I picked something where I could design and make, which seemed suitable for my character.

When you first get a commission, how do you approach it?

It’s always carte blanche. Some of the projects are very big, and we need a group of people. I just don’t impose my own idea.

Instead we have a discussion – but the decision is on me.

You’ve had a long and illustrious career, with many beautiful projects. Which is your favourite?

Hillside Terrace, which took 25 years to complete in six phases.

It’s an assortment of small buildings, and a very satisfying process and design, with a wonderful client who was very patient. This was one of the most sacred projects I have done in my life.

I read that you maintain a small office of 45 people. What is the idea behind that?

You should have enough people to do a large project. But a firm so big that I lose control – this I don’t want.

That client was a developer. How did you maintain such a good relationship with the client for so long?

Well, from the beginning we’ve

That’s all? Did you feel validated by the recognition?

You know, awards are not very important for me. The important thing is that the buildings I

When you received the Priztker Prize, what was your reaction?

Well, it was very lucky I must say.

That’s all.

design are appreciated by users and society at large. This is more important than personal recognition.

In your presentation you mentioned that, regarding your crematorium project, people came up to you and said: “Now I can die happily.” Is that what’s important to you? Is that why you design?

Yes, exactly.

Currently there is a concern about globalisation, that architects, especially young architects, are being influenced by other designs worldwide.

I think if you are just influenced you can still correct, but the problem of globalisation is that being, sort of, uh ... how should I say ... the money starts to govern and direct the way architecture or city planning should go, and I think this is a problem we are all facing: Too much money going all around the world.

Do you think globalisation is resulting in the loss of cultural identity?

I think it’s threatening sometimes.

What advice would you give to a young architect like me?

It’s a long run exercise, not a 100m dash, but a marathon.

Don’t drop out. Architecture is a wonderful profession, as long as you keep an interest as you pursue it. You meet all kinds of people, some lousy, some wonderful, like teachers and clients. Don’t get discouraged.

Don’t lose love of the profession.

You can enjoy it all your life. n

Amer Habib is a junior architect at Rangs Properties. Visit amerhabib.com to see his portfolio Aga Khan Museum

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World Trade Center

been friends. We are close in age, and have a shared understanding of the changing times in Tokyo, and what we should do next. We didn’t have much argument as to how to proceed.

dhallywood | Photo story

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Bangladesh Film Industry (An ongoing Project)

Photos and text: Faiham Ebna Sharif

“C

inema is the ultimate pervert art.

It doesn’t give you what you desire, it tells you how to desire.”- Slavoj Žižek “What is a film?” I asked one of my dearest ones during my childhood.

He replied, “Boi (although meaning ‘book’ in English but also commonly known as ‘film’ in colloquial Bangla) is a moving visual book which encrypts peoples’ choices.”

In a country like Bangladesh,

Turn for more photographs

Shusunto Kumar Paul is well known for his carefree and cheerful attitude within the film fraternity. It’s been long since he started his film career and he has worked in many different roles. But when asked to talk about life outside the film sets, his eyes turned gloomy and he said: “I do not want to see my children in the big pictures (films)”

cinema is considered as the most potent form of communication.

Starting from the day labourers to the rich industrialists, film is like the great escape into a world of fantasy.

These popular films offer the only relief from loneliness, alienation, hunger, and the claustrophobic living conditions of millions.

In our culture, heroes are the social saviours who always survive bullets. The villains drink, mug, and rape. Unlike western films, heroines are a little more curvy, which matters in a society, where there

are millions who struggle to manage two meals a day.

In our agrarian society, people still believe those old myths, fairy tales, and fantasies. Nature nourishes most of the people and provides them with livelihoods.

Religion plays a bigger role in shaping people’s choices. And yet, Lalon Fakir, a mystic with no religion is our rural phenomena.

There is a popular notion: “If you have seen one, you have seen all.”

So, there are repetitive elements in these films, yet people go back

again and again to enjoy those clichés. That is why I believe, I am just not capturing the artists in front of the camera. Rather, I am photographing what is absent in those photographs. I believe I am photographing millions – those who work for the famous clothing brands, cultivate food grains in the most challenging climate conditions – and then hoot while watching cinema. And most certainly they are the valued consumers who run the industry. n

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10 PHoto story | Dhallywood Misha Soudagar is one of the most famous actors who usually play the antagonist role in Bangladeshi films. During a conversation about differentiating his bad guy image in “reel” life and in real life, he replied: “If you say your prayers five times a day, you are more likely to become a good human being”

In Bangladeshi films, popular myths, fantasies and fairy tales play a big role. At times these visual stories give viewers a subtle trip to the world of desired realism. In between the fight sequence of a film featuring a rendezvous with the “flying man,” Arifin Shuvo, a popular model and actor mentions: “I am playing four different characters in this film”

“I love dancing, but you know viewers do not give a damn about somebody dancing around the attractive actress.” – Rupendra Sarker Nipun, a professional dancer who also performs in stage shows other than films

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Cindy Rolling is a Bangladeshi born American artist. She has already worked in a couple of Bangladeshi films, where she was featured as the “item girl.” Item songs are a new trend in Bangladeshi films with sizzling light, music, and raunchy dances.

In a conversation, she mentioned: “My life in America is just the other side of the coin. Once I am in the USA, I love cooking food for my family and serve it in a real cosy manner”

He was found roaming around a film set. He declined to reveal his identity, but said: “I came to Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) twice before, but the gate-men did not let me in. Today my dream came true, as I sneaked in wearing this outfit resembling the background artists and bluffed my way past the security personnel.

Now I am hanging around in the different film sets”

“I have a car, but that does not mean I am filthy rich. I do other things for a living but still it is just my childhood fantasy that brings me to the films.” – Suvonkar Roy Suvo, a working journalist and political activist

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12 PHoto story | Dhallywood

Bollywood has heavily influenced Bangladeshi films and it has been long since the film industry people started criticising it. “I am not a newcomer to the films, but I still do not understand how people find similarities between me and Nana Patekar (an Indian actor). Eventually the industry people changed my name just out of the habit of getting a kick out of it.” – Kamal Patekar, a senior artist and film crew

Alcohol remains something of a taboo in Bangladesh. In films, usually heroes never drink alcohol as a reflection of social purity.

But it is always the villains who are seen to be highly dependent on it. Here on a film set, this is part of the villain’s dugout

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“My mother influenced me into coming to the films. Thanks to her, I have learned a lot while working in the film industry and I am ready to help others who want to be a part of it.” – Achol Akhe, a rising actress of Bangladeshi films

Climate change research | Environment

13

Bangladesh: A climate change researcher’s mecca The University of Manchester’s, Dr Joanne Jordan talks about the progress Bangladesh is making in terms of climate change research Faisal Mahmud

D

r Joanne Jordan, a lecturer of the Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM), University of Manchester, UK, believes that Bangladesh should be the climate change researcher’s foremost destination.

“It’s already happening here, the climate change. There is plenty of scope here to conduct meaningful research which could potentially change the bleak scenario of climate change-induced future,” she said.

Dr Jordan said that she has particular interest on the interconnected problems of climate change, poverty and complex notions of risk.

“My research has focused on climate adaptation in Bangladesh since 2007, mostly in coastal Bangladesh, specifically Sandwip and Mongla,” said Dr Jordan. Recently, she have started a project in Dhaka called “Urban Climate Resilience: Assessing Land Tenure Challenges for Responding to Change,” which is fundamental to addressing the linked challenge of climate adaptation and poverty alleviation, in the context of a growing, urbanising population in Dhaka.

In the recently held Gobeshona conference, Dr Jordan co-facilitated the Young Researcher Workshop with Dr Haseeb Irfanullah (IUCN). “For me, this was the most interesting part of the conference. It was an opportunity to work with early career Bangladeshi researchers who are passionate about working on a diverse range of issues on climate change and development.”

She also presented her research on identifying micro-credit as an effective adaptation strategy to climate stress during the conference.

Micro-credit for climate change In her research, she showed that there is an increasing recognition of the potential of micro-credit in climate adaptation. “Loans obtained after the 2004 tsunami in Srilanka had a positive impact on income generation and weekly working hours.”

She said that the assertion that micro credit can be used as an adaptation strategy needs to be treated with caution. “There are lack

Dr Joanne Jordan

It’s already happening here, the climate change. There is plenty of scope here to conduct meaningful research which could potentially change the bleak scenario of climate change induced future of outreach, erosion of capital assets: loan default and debt and also supply barriers as well as credit alternatives.”

Dr Jordan mentioned that microcredit’s potential is limited for postdisaster events. In most of the cases, the poor are forced into borrowing from informal moneylenders with exploitative interest rates – often charging higher interest rates during times of crisis.

“This can be changed with a systematic approach. What we need is more research on this subject to formulate some strategies,” said Jordan, adding that conferences like Gobeshona could provide a platform for that.

Impressed with the research Dr Jordan believes that the depth and breadth of research being carried out on climate change in Bangladesh is impressive. “It was evident in the conference. The research work ranging from the University of Manchester’s session on urban poverty and climate change, to the session on climate change and health – all had potential facts and data to be a change maker.

“The Gobeshona Conference on Climate Change Research in Bangladesh is a first step towards tackling this issue. In particular, a key issue is the mentoring of early career researchers to carry out robust empirical research that is

Photo: Courtesy

disseminated to the academic, policy and practice communities, both within Bangladesh and internationally.

The problem within She said, while Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate variability and climate change, it is in many respects leading the way on climate adaptation.

“However, much more needs to be done. In particular, while there are examples of successful community based adaptations, what has been clear from my work in Bangladesh is that climate resilience is limited by the socioeconomic and cultural fabric these communities are located within, emphasising the importance of social and economic interventions that recognise gender histories, power, and cultural dynamics.”

She believes that these micro dynamics tell us a lot about what is possible and what is flawed in contemporary climate adaptation and development policies and practices.

“More broadly, this highlights the challenge that is how to discursively integrate local and outside knowledge in order to create mutual learning and responsiveness to need.” n

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14 Legalese | Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi

Piece of the Pie Got a problem?

Write to Jennifer at weekend@ dhakatribune.com

Cartoon: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

Q

I’m working in an MNC in Bangladesh and have always been pleased by how our HR department has done its best to keep all the employees happy.

To be honest, a lot of the benefits offered to us far exceed our expectations and that in turn ensures that we continue working hard so that the company profits more. Recently, however, an issue has arisen which sort of puts a damper on things. A few of my colleagues have been discussing the concept of employees being entitled to a share of the company’s profits, which is something our organisation does not follow. The name “Unilever” has also popped up quite a few times. The HR department has suddenly become very tight lipped and the office environment is a little edgy. Just out of personal curiosity – what are the relevant laws that I should be consulting to find an answer to this situation?

A

Dear Reader: Thank you for writing in to me. Unfortunately, this is a very tricky area and I will not be able to simply point you in the direction of a certain Act or Rule, which will help you to find an answer to your situation. This is because, although the law exists in this arena, it is hugely open to subjective interpretation and this is where the problem arises. What I can do, however, is provide you with an overview, which in turn will help you to better understand the implications and the complications of the current situation at your workplace.

It is worth noting that there is no specific employment law in Bangladesh for office executives and therefore many of the organisations in Bangladesh have to resort to the provisions outlined in the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, which primarily concerns the welfare of “workers.”

Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi is a barrister and solicitor of England and Wales. She is currently Senior Partner at Legacy Legal Corporate.

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The definition of “worker” (as defined by the Act) is critical when deciding whether an employee would fall within the ambit of the Labour Act or not. Following the Rana Plaza incident, the Labour Act was further amended and the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2013 was passed, which addresses a few of the aforementioned issues.

To ensure that workers share in the profits of a Company, Section 234 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 provides for establishment of a Workers’ Participation Fund and a Workers’ Welfare Fund. Companies in this category are required to establish the above funds within one month from the passing of the Act and deposit 5% of their net profit therein at a ratio of 80:20 within nine months from the year end. In order to be required to establish a Workers’ Profit Participation Fund (WPPF), an organisation will have to fall under one of the following criteria:

(a) the paid-up capital of the company as on the last day of its accounting year is Tk1,00,00,000 or more. (b) the value of the fixed assets of the company at cost as on the last day of the accounting year is not less than Tk2,00,00,000.

It is difficult to go into details here because of the intricacies involved, but I would strongly recommend that you find a copy of the Unilever judgment (available online, as judgments are part of the public domain) and peruse it for a better understanding of the situation. An interesting observation made in the judgment is that it highlights the usage of the term “irrespective of designation” as used in the Act, which could very well be used to construe the fact that all employees (irrespective of status and designation) are entitled to the WPPF. In conclusion, while I encourage reading, I need to state that this is a complex arena so it might be better for you and your colleagues to seek independent legal advice and arm yourself with adequate knowledge of the implications involved in your specific case, preferably before you march down to the HR department for a showdown! n

dina sobhan | tough love

The Ex Files Q

Dear Dina, I was in a relationship for almost six years and we loved each other very much.

Unfortunately, we were never able to be together because about two years ago, when my parents were pressuring me to get married, I told

A

Well, it’s nice to know that at least one of you is a decent and honourable person. Let me give you a hint: it’s not you. Having broken up with your boyfriend – thereby possibly breaking his heart in the process – and committed yourself to another man in marriage, you are now bored and want things to go back to the way

them about my boyfriend and they insisted we break it off. They were adamant that because we were of the same age, he wouldn’t be able to make me happy since he had yet to “establish” himself and “prove his worth,” while I was at a “prime marriageable age” and would be “losing out on good prospects” if I waited for him. After many quarrels

they were before. Well, you can’t. The wonderful thing about being an adult – a responsible, mature adult – is that you have to stand by your decisions and see your commitments through.

Your husband is a good man, and by your own admission, you like the guy, so why make him suffer for your indecisiveness? I mean, even your ex knows it’s a loser move to bail on him now. What’s more, your ex doesn’t want you back. Let him move on with

15

Got a problem?

Write to Dina at weekend@

dhakatribune.com

still single – and have expressed to him my desire to leave my husband and get back together, but he has urged me not to. He says he still loves me, but asks me to be more patient and give my marriage another shot as I have already committed to it.

Although my marriage seems perfect on paper, it is beginning to stifle me.

What do I do?

and emotional blackmailing, I finally gave in to my parents and was married off to my now-husband.

I’ve been married for almost a year, and my husband is a decent man and we have grown fond of each other. I have been dutiful towards my husband in all regards, but there is something missing. I recently got back in touch with my ex – who is

his life, and meet a nice girl – one who won’t change her mind after a year and decide to hop to the next relationship. You sit tight and learn to appreciate what you’ve got now, which is a husband who cares for you and who would be very disappointed to hear you’re ready to quit a marriage that hasn’t even been given a proper chance. Tsk tsk.

Q

Dear Dina, It’s been about six months since my boyfriend and I broke up. Over the last few months I’ve really missed him, and now realise that we were actually quite good together and want to get back with him. I know for a fact that he’s still single, but don’t know how to approach him since it was I who broke up with him.

A

Cartoon: Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy/Dhaka Tribune

The way I understand it, people usually break up with somebody for a reason. If it wasn’t working, it was because he was annoying, or his hands were clammy, or he had excruciating dance moves – whatever the case, you had your reasons, and they were probably justified. Sometimes, when we’re lonely or bored, we look back on things and they assume a radiance that they never actually possessed.

It’s called having retrospective rosecoloured glasses. I advise you to let this sleeping dog lie, because chances are – if you get back together with him – you’re going to break up with him twice. And no guy, no matter how sweaty or annoying, deserves that.

.

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16 Rant | Beauty is skin deep

For Fairness and Light

The desire for lighter skin, and its supposed beauty, is still an issue today, and something that we just can’t seem to get over Raad Rahman

T

here’s a mind block some people have when they describe their teenage years, and my mind block, as is the case with many teenage pangs faced by teenage girls worldwide, started with a teenage boy.

We all know there’s nothing profound about being a teenager.

Between weird growth spurts, our voices breaking, or our periods starting, we have to decide who we want to be when we grow up, and on top of that, take exams to charm the world about our capabilities.

Sometimes, we don’t even have the luxury of deciding, and who we will become is already preordained by our parents.

Honestly, when I reflect back to that time in my life, I wonder why

I let that particular day have a grip on my imagination for the longest time. I wasn’t much different from other teenagers in Bangladesh, but I did have a few luxuries. My parents always encouraged me to seek knowledge, I had some very decent childhood friends, and I found much to be interested in, despite being a relatively shy, gothic bookworm.

In the midst of all of this, the boy came along.

Oh, he was always there through elementary school, but I suddenly noticed him when we were in seventh grade. He had been playing tennis with his brother at the club, and I happened to be eating kebabs with my best friend when he sauntered into the restaurant after.

I don’t know why I noticed him

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, JAN UARY 23, 201 5

that particular day. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t so blind that I didn’t see him in classes every single day. One of our teachers at school had a habit of reading out our names as he handed out our graded papers, in order of best to worst performances, and this boy’s name would always be towards the end of the papers handed out.

But despite that, he made some astute observations about our recent school reading of “The Merchant of Venice,” and by doing so, he found an admirer in the restaurant.

He was leaving Bangladesh to attend boarding school soon, and for the moment I was to remain in the country. Perhaps it was the inspiration of the impending doom, or the fact that he was uber friendly

and actually quoted Shakespeare, but I was swayed. In the next few days, going to school gave me slight heart palpitations. I stuttered, but made attempts to converse. Usually, he asked me about either my best friend, or my older sister, but at least we were talking.

Then came the week he was to to leave. In a spurt of serious support of our friendships, our parents allowed all of us to host and attend parties at each friend’s house, commemorating the occasion. It was a time of year when the weather was hot, and we had just discovered the joys of Truth and Dare.

In answer to a question, we found out the boy thought my older sister was the epitome of beauty.

A few more rounds in, I found I

17

Photos: Bigstock

was considered a great friend. Left weaving a web of assumptions connecting these tidbits, my best mate and I grinned all the way on the five minute car ride home. I was armed with the “knowledge,” after all, that I stood a slim chance.

The next day was also the day of the last party. The boy couldn’t make it. Encouraged by my best friend, I called him and told him all of my heart’s contents. That I really liked him, that I was interested in him, and I was really sorry he was leaving.

I don’t think I gave him much chance to talk, but I went on and on about how I knew he crushed on my sister, but then he stopped me.

“I hang out with you because I’m in love with your best friend,” he said.

“Maybe if you were a bit fairer, you know, or something.”

I was crushed. I cried for about two hours that night, and my mother, upon finding out the reason why, had to reassure me that I was indeed

beautiful, even if I was about ten shades darker than my older sister, or my best friend.

In all truthfulness, I did hold a grudge against the boy. I didn’t care that he didn’t like me, because a fish in an aquarium is not representative of all marine life, but I resented him for reinforcing the stereotypes of beauty that transcend so much of Bangladeshi, and indeed, all South Asian culture.

Granted, we were only 13 and maybe he did not know better than to reduce someone to the colour of their skin, but it was a wake up call for me about how pathetic the advertisements of Fair and Lovely, that continue to permeate the city’s billboards, are.

I remember looking at those advertisements quizzically for the first time after that memorable night, and being disgusted that a woman’s potential at garnering a job was a direct result of their being lighter

in their skin tone. These kinds of advertisements seek out an already insecure population of teenagers and young adults – just through existence – telling us we want and need to “fix” the way we looked in order to be successful.

The fact that to this day, it is almost impossible to find a cleansing lotion without a whitening agent is symptomatic of how time has brought about little change. I saw my crush again, of course, and sometimes see him still. He’s nice to me nowadays.

He’s married to a very fair young woman, who I am sure, possesses many charms, and I would like to think I wish him well. But if the kind of rhetoric he is going to pass on to his child is the same that he confessed to me at the age of 13, then I worry a lot.

The sheer racism that I didn’t understand at that young age, affected me in my interactions with other teenagers for years, hence putting me into hiding about my

feelings, and insisting for years that I had none, having panic attacks when I was asked to discuss my emotions.

Thankfully I left the country, and realised soon after that I am actually nothing like the stereotype I was cast as. To think that I had to go to the other side of the world from Bangladesh is a testament to how prejudice is visceral, and moreover, it is very cruel and very real in Bangladesh.

It’s a legacy left behind by the “memsahib” culture of the last century, but I know not everyone has my parents, my support group or the opportunities I have had, to realise and do something to change this belief. It’s a shame that people have to deal with this reality of who they are, based on the colour of their skin, every day, whilst billboards heathenise them, and products like Fair and Lovely continue to convince them that they can rub away who they are. n

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18 stay in

Mini cryptics

Of Rain, Raaga and Revelation

Clues

ACROSS

1 Distance slime moved (5) 5 Pea soup for primate (3) 6 Rectify entitlement (5) 8 The French follow software company (5) 10 Uncooked, like a lion says (3) 11 Consumed, say, before nine (5)

DOWN

Gopa B Ceasar

1 2 3 4 7 8 9

M

Solved it? Email answers to weekend@dhakatribune. com and win one free month of the Dhaka Tribune.

Last week’s solutions

eghmallar is a 2014 Bangladeshi film by a film-maker who has long been involved in the preparation of this film that takes the audience into a visual journey. Director, Zahidur Rahim Anjan, for many years, has been a film teacher himself, having taught in many different institutions.

Hence, when we get a film, from such a maker, who happened to draw his inspiration from a famous short-story - “Rain-coat” - by Akteruzzaman Elias, the audience’s expectation doubles and critiques open up a lush book of terms to define it.

The film depicts the tale of a timid college teacher, Nurul Huda (played

by Shahiduzzaman Selim). Huda had to go through the trouble of assuring the shopkeeper that the batteries he bought from him were for a torch and not the radio, which kept alive the souls of everyone who shared a strong disgust for “Pak-loving”’ leeches and were in favour of the freedom fighters.

Huda’s family comprised of his wife, Asma (Aparna Ghosh) and a five-year old daughter, Shudha (Marzan Hossain Zara). His brotherin-law, Mintu, left a raincoat behind before he left to join the war to fight alongside the freedom-fighters.

When the Pakistani army summoned Huda, he wore the raincoat as it was raining heavily outside. While he was getting out, Shudha mentioned to her father that he resembles her uncle Mintu in that

Indicates temperature of planet (7) Limb. Left, for example (3) Took an exam in Alsatian (3) Ask about search (7) Use 2D for making beer (3) Wonder at two fifths of a week (3) Coathanger short for Margaret (3)

raincoat.

From this point onwards, the story takes a drastic turn. As Huda puts on his brother’s raincoat, its almost as if he steps into his brother, the freedom fighters, and something changes within him. He follows his brother’s footsteps, and in a twist of fate, he ends up fearlessly sacrificing his own life.

On the other end, Shudha portrays the devastating effects of war on a young girl. The story revolves around the lives of the members of Huda’s family against the backdrop of cloudy, rainfilled skies. Meghmallar gives the audience a visual delight that we have not seen from any other film in the last decade or so. n

ACROSS 1 Instrument band used after a pin broke (6) 5 Tree that sounds soft to the touch (5) 6 As yet not ordered raising agent (5) 8 Cloth range non-washable primarily (6) 10 Organ of the yellow (3) 11 Wish the old ran around (5) DOWN 2 Headless rodents found in freezer (7) 3 Regularly from 22:00 (7) 4 Make royal bird first of nine (6) 6 My last poem left an Alpine song (6) 7 Where to bowl between buildings (5) 9 Used to listen, are confused (3)

Sudoku

Use the numbers 1-9 to complete each of the 3x3 square grids such that each horizontal and vertical line also contains all of the digits from 1-9

Last week’s sudoku solutions

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, JAN UARY 23, 201 5

Go out

Jan 24

Jan 23

Film | 8th International Children’s Film Festival

Cycling | DBC Turtle Ride-1

When 4-9pm Where Public Library Auditorium, Shahbagh What The International Children’s Film Festival is an annual film festival organised by the Children’s Film Society Bangladesh will feature films and documentaries made for, as well as made by children around the world. Founded in 2008, it is the most prestigious and publicised film festival in Bangladesh for children.

To know more about the festival, schedules and venues, visit www.cfsbangladesh.org/ festival2015. For further detail contact 01778 302 866, 01612 320 948

When 7:30am Where Road 32, Dhanmondi What Dhanmondi Bicyclists Club is arranging a 20 kilometre bike ride.

The event is open open for all. Riders are requested to carry some money, helmet, gloves, safety guards, winter clothes, water, light food, towel/ tissue, saline packet, first aid kit, one extra tire and a patch kit. For details, contact 01670239431, 01675794144, 01750092227.

Jan 24- Feb 2 Painting | Voyage Of Nature -a solo water colour painting exhibition When 5:30-8pm Where House 7, Road 13,

19

Jan 25

Shilpangon, Dhanmondi What The second solo water colour painting exhibition will be organised

by Warior Rahman Sami. The exhibition is open for all.

Education | Counseling and Interviews by FIC Navitas in association with Simon Fraser University

Jan 25

When 12pm Where MIM Study Abroad, L 361, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel What Counselling and interviews will be conducted

by FIC Navitas only for undergraduate programmes in association with Simon Fraser University.

Photography | “No Life on the Street” photography exhibition by Shehab Uddin When 2:30pm Where Kamalapur Rail Station (in front of Platform 8) What The exhibition will feature a photo story of Jarina Khala, 45, a single mother and homeless woman.

She lives outside the Kamalapur Railway Station and collects garbage to earn a living. Her daily life will be exhibited by Shehab Uddin through photographs.

Send your events to weekend@dhakatribune.com

Jan 23-30

Photography | Chobi Mela VIII

The biennial international festival of photography, Chobi Mela is here again. This year the series of exhibitions is featuring diversity and talent from across the world.

Programme Schedule: Jan 24 4:30pm: Gallery Visit by Anwar Hossain at Alliance Française 6:30pm: Artist Talk by Larry Towell at Goethe-Institut Jan 25 10am: Gallery Visit in Beauty Boarding, Bulbul Lalitakala Academy, Northbrook Hall in Old Dhaka.

Exhibitions by Denis Dailleux, Luis González Palma, Mahesh Shantaram, Yusuf Sevinçli & Nepal Picture Library.

4pm: Gallery visit at Drik Gallery.

Exhibitions by Cristina Nuñez and Max Pinckers 6pm: “She’s There”-Curated Slideshow by Eliseo Barbàra at

Goethe-Institut 7pm: Artist Talk by Cristina Nuñez | Goethe-Institut Jan 26 10:30am: Lectures on Edward Curtis

by Shamoon Zamir at Goethe-Institut 11:15am: Lecture on Surveillance by Siobhan Riordan at Goethe-Institut 4pm: Gallery visit at the Daily StarBengal Arts Precinct, Karwan Bazar.

Exhibitions of Andrea Diefenbach and Sean Lee. 6pm: Lecture by Teun van der Heijden on Book Making at Goethe-Institut 7pm: Artist Talk by Philip Blenkinsop at Goethe-Institut Jan 27 10:30pm: “Representations of Nepal” Talk by Nayantara Gurung Kakshapati

at Goethe-Institut 11:15pm: “Staging the imageassimilations from previous issues of pix quarterly,” Lecture by Tanvi Mishra at Goethe-Institut 3pm: Gallery visit at Britto Arts Trust and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. Exhibitions of Abdollah Heidari, Alexandra Serrano and Philip Blenkinsop.

6pm: “Confluence” - Curated Slideshow by Sohrab Hura and Francoise Cailler at Goethe-Institut 7pm: Artist Talk by Andrea Diefenbach | Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut 7pm: Artist Talk by Denis Dailleux at Goethe-Institut

Jan 28 10:30am: “Belfast Photo Festival” Talk by Michel Weir at Goethe-Institut 11:15am: “Artist as an Educator”- Rishi Singhal, Tanzim Wahab and Andrea Diefenbach 4pm: Gallery Visit at Bangladesh National Museum and Bokultola, Faculty of Fine Arts Exhibitions of Simon Norfolk and Tapash Paul 6pm: “A Very Incomplete Guide to Modes of Working With/In/On/ Through/After The Medium of Photography” by Lars Willumeit at

Jan 30 10:30am: “Lived Experience: An immersive approach for telling stories of impoverishment” Talk by Shehab Uddin at Goethe-Institut 11:15am: Curators Talk by Mahbubur Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, Tanzim Wahab and ASM Rezaur Rahman moderated by Shahidul Alam at| Goethe-Institut 6pm: “Shifting Palettes”, Curated Slideshow by Munem Wasif at Goethe-Institut 7pm: Artist Talk by Anwar Hossain at Goethe-Institut

Jan 29 10:30 am: “So you’ve taken some great pictures. Now what?” Lecture by Shahidul Alam at Goethe-Institut 11:15: Artist Talk by Mahesh Shantaram.

7pm: “Northern Ireland: 30 Years of Photography” Talk by Michael Weir at Goethe-Institut 8pm: “The Death of Photography”, Lecture by James Estrin at GoetheInstitute

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, JA N UA RY 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

20 Tea with WT | Saiful Huq Omi

Photography has more to offer Saiful Huq Omi, freelance photographer and Managing Director of Counterfoto speaks about how photography becomes a tool for change in society Farhana Urmee

Photo: Courtesy

When did you started photography?

I never wanted to be a photographer.

I studied in applied physics in Dhaka University. While pursuing my under graduation I realised this is not my cup of tea. I also got involved in student politics at that time. I wanted to do something else. I never wanted to do a regular job that would ensure only my social security. I was young and I looked for a life that had bigger meaning. I was always very ambitious as an individual – ambition not as in the sense of serving individual interests but in other greater aspects. Being involved in left-wing politics played a huge role in my mind.

Till then I did not know it was through photography where I could reinvent myself, but after having

watched at least a thousand movies while doing film society in my university days, I fell in love with framing, shots and the camera.

That triggered within me the desire to become a film maker. After I graduated, there came a moment when I had to decide what to be in life. I started looking for producers for making films but could not find one who would let me work in my way. At that time I got introduced to some fascinating photography work.

Eventually, I found a way to practice photography with a simple Yashika FX-D camera that my father once brought back for me from abroad.

How did you learn photography?

As I said, I was more into films

and eventually got interested in photography. I took photographs for myself at the beginning while I was a university student. But later I realised the necessity of learning photography in an institute so that I don’t have to work as an isolated individual.

Besides, it would also help me get into the photography fraternity to learn developing as a photographer and, of course, work as a freelancer.

I joined Pathshala for a diploma in 2003-04 and later I taught their too. I started my career as a photographer in 2005.

Is there anything specifically interesting that happened when you started photography?

I remember my interview in Pathshala.

Photos: Saiful Huq Omi

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, JAN UARY 23, 201 5

21

On my first attempt at submitting my port folio, they did not call me. On the second submission they called me for an interview. I was suffering from a paradox of confidence and uncertainty about the quality of my work. I was highly nervous during the interview.

One of the teachers gave me an encouraging comment on my photos, saying that those photos would qualify me to become a teacher there. I was very touched and grateful.

What is photography to you?

There are some myths about photography that it is all about the camera. There are some technical things which can be learned in a few days. The rest is the ability to seeing things and developing a perspective.

I always tell my students too about this. If one has certain types of preparation, through the habit of reading, having particular attitude towards life and through developing a certain level of consciousness, one can easily achieve his desired goal. But, what matters is to know one’s goal. Photography is not simply capturing moments on recognising there aesthetic values only. Photography is such a powerful medium of documenting and reaching people with messages, the strength of the medium should not be let go in vain. It should have a cause.

What kind of photographer would you call yourself?

The strength of photography as a medium has given me a reason and, of course, an opportunity to portray politics and human rights.

Today’s Bangladesh is not necessarily the future that our previous generations had wanted to see or one that we want to continue, what with the current trend of politics, violence and violation of human rights. I officially left my political party, but the ideology and dreams

of social change still drives me and I came into photography for that reason.

It is not like I may lead a revolutionary change in the society but I believe that photography can make a difference. If there is a revolution or if there is something good that is to happen in this country, or to the minorities living here, photography has a definite role to play in bringing that change.

Photography can always be a very significant part in the social changes and development that we want or can fight for. And yes, that is why I am a photographer.

During my days in politics, I once learned that a cause for the interest of human race is always bigger than art.

Probably for that very reason, when I started my career as a photographer I did not care much about the artistic quality of my photography. I used to prioritise my cause of covering rights issues over the artistic aspect of photography. And later I realised I was way too concerned about how to tell the stories – eventually my pictures were turning out good but not good enough for people who I intended to get through to. It all happened all after graduating with the diploma from Pathshala, which provided a huge shift in my way of taking photos.

What is the state of photography education in Bangladesh?

Photography education is quite good in our country. Pathshala is a name that has been a change maker here and it is very resourceful.

There have been different institutes after Pathshala which are teaching photography basics and advance courses. Counterfoto, which I started quite long ago has now started offering different categories of courses since the last two years.

And it has bigger plans to provide merit based scholarships for students

with financial constraints and collaborating with the government in teaching photography.

Although universities do not offer photography as a major in Bangladesh, departments like mass communications or media studies in a few universities do offer photography as subsidiary course. However, the course curriculum needs to be updated and to be taught by professionals along with the academics.

What are the challenges?

Whenever I go abroad I come across the feedback that we Bangladeshis have a very interesting and unique way of seeing things, which is quite different from the west. I have been to different countries with my lectures and works and what I have noticed is that our major challenge is having to work under a myriad of limitations.

We have limited resources in terms of training people and our logistics support is also poor.

Photography and films – these are the media that are advancing at a fast pace – and we are lagging behind in this competitive world due to these limitations.

How can we use photography for social change?

Through different institutes we can

create good hands in photography and we are quite ahead in that endeavour already. Yet, there are things of grave concern too. We don’t have any proper archiving mechanism for the pictures with historical and political significance. The government should initiate the creation of a full fledged archive for photographs, both historical and contemporary.

Drik has been successful in getting Rashid Talukder’s pictures and archiving them for documentation and further use for research or publication. But what about other photos taken by different photographers over the years? Drik or Counterfoto can have pictures from a couple of photographers and some photographers may have their own museums or trusts to achieve their pictures. But, this is still very scattered, unsystematic and uncertain.

Photographers often perceive their pictures as their own creation and want to lock them up individually and in isolation. But one thing should be remembered that the photographer is a part of the society, and the moment he has captured is a societal incident that occurred and thus, he owes the society for his work. And the photographer has the responsibility to repay his or her society. n

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