Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai’s solo exhibition under way at the Zainul Gallery 1 and 2 of Dhaka University gives the younger generation a glimpse into the sufferings of people and the tumultuous days of the War of Independence in 1971.
Raghu Rai documented the war with profound sensitivity. His photographs not only show the violence and destruction but also the profound human stories etched on the faces of refugees.
The exhibition titled ‘Rise of a Nation’ has been organised by fine arts faculty marking its 75th founding anniversary in collaboration with Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation. It has been curated by artist Zihan Karim.
It gives the younger generations a glimpse into the human cost of war in 1971 through 53 photographs and a multimedia presentation showing the forced displacement of people, the sufferings of Bangladeshis in refugee camps in India, the battlefield situation, the moment of victory on December 16, 1971 and more.
The exhibition at Zainul Gallery 1 shows people fleeing the war travelling on foot and by boats, struggling for necessities and yearning to return to their homes after the war.
In Zainul Gallery 2, visitors get a glimpse into freedom fighters, the surrender of the Pakistani occupation forces and others.
‘Raghu Rai captured the human cost of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The selection of photographs focused on this pivotal moment in South Asian history, the universal themes of displacement, resilience, and the yearning for home resonates with the ongoing global refugee crisis,’ said Zihan Karim.
‘Today, the world faces an unprecedented displacement crisis, with over 82 million people forcibly displaced according to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. In those war-torn regions that are experiencing political upheaval and climate change, millions are forced to flee their homes, facing uncertain futures. By showcasing his work and connecting it to the contemporary global refugee crisis, this exhibition aims to evoke empathy and inspire action,’ he added.
The fifteen-day exhibition, which was inaugurated on Sunday, will end on May 19.