Rare photo exhibition showcases century of Hill Heritage in Bandarban

A rare photographic exhibition showcasing century-old images of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is currently underway in Bandarban.

The collection includes images of British colonial governors visiting the region, tax collection ceremonies such as the traditional Rajpunyah, indigenous cultural performances, and glimpses into hill communities' social and economic lives from decades past.
The four-day exhibition, organised by Drik Gallery, opened on Tuesday at Rajar Math in Bandarban town. It features photographs collected and captured by eight indigenous photographers from the district. Renowned photographer and Drik founder Dr Shahidul Alam inaugurated the event.

The exhibition showcases 103 photographs spanning 101 years, from 1909 to 2010. Since its opening, it has drawn large crowds, with visitors of all ages exploring the visual history of Bandarban's hill communities. Many have expressed emotional reactions, describing the experience as a journey into their ancestral past.

Among the most notable exhibits is a 1909 photograph—the oldest in the collection—depicting the 12th Bomang King, Kajai Pru Chowdhury, and his royal family welcoming Lancelot Hare, then Governor of Bengal, during his visit to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Other rare images include interactions between the Bomang royal family and Queen Elizabeth and diplomatic encounters with foreign dignitaries.