Speakers call for stronger collaboration to curb unconsented photo use in media
The panellists highlighted widespread misuse of photographs across both mainstream and digital media in Bangladesh, pointing to issues such as lack of consent, weak enforcement of copyright laws, and the reluctance of many outlets to recognise photographers’ ownership.
Speakers at a panel discussion today (6 December) underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration among media organisations, photographers, and legal professionals to prevent the unconsented use of images and stop misleading public discourse.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of World Press Photo, Drik Picture Library hosted the panel discussion on "Use and Abuse of the Photo in Public Discourse" at Dhaka's DrikPath Bhobon, according to a press release.
In the panel discussion, the speakers included Sara Hossain, lawyer and human rights defender; Shahidul Alam, photographer, activist, and curator; and Syed Zakir Hossain, chief photographer at The Business Standard.
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The panellists highlighted widespread misuse of photographs across both mainstream and digital media in Bangladesh, pointing to issues such as lack of consent, weak enforcement of copyright laws, and the reluctance of many outlets to recognise photographers' ownership.
They stressed that only systematic cooperation among media, photographers, and legal experts can ensure accountability and build safeguards against the unauthorised circulation of images.
The programme also included a presentation titled "River Runs Violet" by visual artist and educator Sumi Anjuman.
She discussed how it explores rising sexual and physical violence against women and children in Bangladesh and challenges patriarchal narratives through collaborative photography with Zana (a pseudonym), a survivor of rape.
Created during the Covid-19 lockdown, the series uses poetic realism to present a multivocal dialogue about trauma, fear, and resilience.
She further expressed how she employs imagery to expose systemic misogyny and inspire change in how society portrays women's suffering and strength.
Both events were co-organised by World Press Photo and its regional partner, Drik, as part of the Pop-up Festival, aimed at promoting visual literacy, exploring the exhibition's core themes, and fostering dialogue and critical reflection.
The Pop-up Festival is being held alongside the World Press Photo 70th Anniversary Exhibition, "What Have We Done? Unpacking Seven Decades of World Press Photo", curated by photographer and artist Cristina de Middel.
The exhibition, inaugurated yesterday (5 December), is open to the public until 20 December on levels 2 and 8 of DrikPath Bhobon.
As part of the festival, a three-day workshop on Photojournalism and Visual Narrative was also conducted by Gabrielle Fonseca Johnson, South Asia editor for Reuters Pictures.
