Sagar-Runi Human Rights Photo Award: A lens on truth and justice
As I walked through the Nalinikanta Bhattasali Gallery of the Bangladesh National Museum, the images on display told stories that words often fail to capture. Faces of despair, resilience, and defiance stared back at me, each photograph a testament to the struggles and triumphs of those who fight against injustice.
The Sagar-Runi Human Rights Photo Award, in its inaugural edition, is not just a tribute to two brave journalists but also a powerful initiative to spotlight the marginalised and uphold the principles of justice through photojournalism.
For the first time, both seasoned and emerging photographers were invited to submit their works, capturing human rights violations, social injustices, and moments of defiance against oppression. Nearly 90 photographers participated, and an esteemed panel of judges including Barrister Sara Hossain, veteran photojournalist Shafiqul Alam Kiron, and independent photographer KM Asad selected the winning entries.
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Among the ten awarded photographers, Tasawar Islam won the first prize for his striking portrayal of Atikul, a young man who lost his arm during the July Uprising. In a heartfelt moment, Tasawar announced that he would donate a significant portion of his Tk50,000 prize money to Atikul, making his victory not just an individual achievement but a collective act of solidarity. Mehedi Hasan and Deep Malakar secured the second and third prizes, each receiving Tk25,000. Seven other photographers, including Syed Mahbubul Kader, Md Nasayer Khalid, Abdullah Al Zubayer, and Daiyan Alvi, received honorary mentions.
The exhibition itself is a deeply moving experience. Some images freeze moments of raw agony: a mother holding onto the last photograph of her son lost to extrajudicial killings, a child standing in the ruins of what was once his home. Others inspire hope: students protesting against injustice, women reclaiming their agency in spaces they were once excluded from. The selection of 39 photographs displayed at the gallery is more than just visual storytelling; it is a call to action.
The award ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Adilur Rahman, interim government's advisor of Industry, Housing & Public Works, Advocate Elina Khan, and Barrister Shishir Manir, the legal counsel for the Sagar-Runi murder case. Adilur Rahman, the chief guest, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of accountability, stating that "the power to bring change lies in our collective ability to speak up."
Beyond this year's success, the organisers plan to expand the initiative on a larger scale, envisioning an international platform for human rights photography. The idea is not only to reward talent but also to ensure that the stories these photographers capture reach policymakers, activists, and the global audience.
As I left the gallery, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the responsibility that comes with bearing witness. The Sagar-Runi Human Rights Photo Award is more than just a competition, it is a movement, an unwavering demand for truth and justice, and a reminder that journalism, in all its forms, remains one of the most potent tools for change.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until 19 February 2025 at the Bangladesh National Museum.
