BRAC university hosts photo exhibition on rohingya refugees
A 10-day photo exhibition on Rohingya refugees, titled "Ek Khaale: Once Upon A Time," concluded on Thursday at BRAC University's Merul Badda campus.
Organised by the university's Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) and curated by award-winning documentary photographer Greg Constantine, the exhibition explored the history, identity, and struggles of the Rohingya community through striking visual storytelling.
Speaking at the opening, Constantine said the Rohingyas were now defined by "a legacy of displacement, victimhood and violence", with their heritage stripped away. He explained that the exhibition, supported by Rohingyas from 11 countries, sought to "reconstruct and reimagine" the lives left behind since the crackdown in Myanmar.
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BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar said the institution was using photography to reflect on "what lies ahead". He added, "We do not want a world built on exclusion and injustice. We want to learn from differences. I only wish Rohingya community members were here to share their stories directly."
Michael Miller, EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh, described the exhibition as "a timely reminder of global responsibility", while James Goldman, British Deputy High Commissioner, said he was "moved" by its portrayal of memory and resilience. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman noted that the Rohingya were enduring a process of dehumanisation and called the exhibition an "eye-opener".
Khairul Basher, BRAC University's Director of Communications, said over 5,000 people visited the exhibition, which drew international media coverage. Three school students received awards for posters inspired by the event.
Senior university officials, faculty, students, and representatives from six schools and 10 universities attended the opening and closing ceremonies. The exhibition's impact among diverse audiences underscored the importance of telling the Rohingya story and encouraged ongoing reflection and dialogue beyond the event.
