Hajong: Human tales that go beyond the lens

Stepping into Mohammd Asadurjaman Aslam's first solo photography exhibition, 'Hajong', which wraps up later tonight at Alliance Française de Dhaka's La Galerie in Dhanmondi, feels refreshingly simple.

This isn't to downplay the exhibition—in fact, its clean and minimalistic setup allows the powerful human narratives behind the photographs to shine through. Within the serene landscapes of Sunamganj, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, powerful glimpses lie in the lives and lingering heritage of the remnants of the 'Hajong' community.

Aslam, a journalist and documentary photographer, has spent the past four years working on this project—an effort that allowed him to form a deep, meaningful connection with the Hajong community. Through this bond, he was able to unearth and capture the stories hidden in each image.

The photographs are mostly straightforward, often depicting members of the Hajong community engaged in their everyday work and routines. Some images showcase individuals dressed in traditional clothing, with painted faces, preparing for cultural performances and festive celebrations.

One of the most powerful narratives within the exhibition is the story of the Hajong families, just like many other ethnic groups, who were sadly separated and displaced on either side of the India-Bangladesh border during the 1947 Partition.

Photo: Courtesy

"Many have never been able to reconnect with their roots or reunite with family members since then," Aslam shared. "Yet, there are also several Hajongs who make the effort to reach out or even meet their long-lost relatives. It's not unusual for families on both sides of the border to take significant risks, but more often than not, they manage to find ways to reunite."

Aslam also mentioned that he took the initiative to speak informally with border security personnel from both India and Bangladesh to ask about the Hajong people crossing or meeting across the border. 

According to them, incidents or emergencies are extremely rare. Although the area is under regular surveillance, the absence of conflict or problems has led to a generally lenient stance from the security forces.

The exhibition also honours Kumudini Hajong, a distinguished figure in the Hajong community who passed away in 2024. As one of the last surviving leaders who opposed the oppressive Zamindari system, her legacy of resistance and advocacy continues to inspire.

The Hajongs, aligning with the Communist Party, actively resisted exploitation by landlords in Mymensingh through movements like Tonko, Tebhaga, and the Hathi Kheda Rebellion. 

Many Hajong leaders played key roles in these uprisings, fighting for the rights of peasants. In response, the East Pakistani forces launched combing operations to arrest Hajong leaders and suppress the growing influence of the communist movement.

In 1964, around 30,000 Hajong refugees migrated to India. Today, the Hajong population in Bangladesh has dwindled to just 20,000. Most do not own land, and access to higher education remains largely out of reach for this marginalised community. Both men and women primarily work as day labourers or farmhands.

Photo: Courtesy

"As the economy stands now, daily wage earners are barely able to meet basic needs," Aslam explained. "This forces many to abandon education in favour of immediate income, as schooling is simply unaffordable. If this trend continues, there's a real risk that this ethnic group could gradually disappear," he warned.