Photo exhibition at Drik Gallery; Bangladesh Matters: Capturing the EU's Development Co-operation

On the occasion of 50 years celebration (golden jubilee) of the European Union (EU), the European Commission (EC) to Bangladesh organised a photo exhibition at Drik Gallery in the capital titled 'Bangladesh Matters: Capturing the EU's Development Cooperation', which focused on the contribution of EU-funded NGOs to the development of Bangladesh. Dr Stefan Frowein, Ambassador of the Delegation of the EC, inaugurated the exhibition on May 8.

The exhibition was a part of a series of cultural events, which the EC has organised on the occasion of Europe Day on May 9. Through these events, the EC intends to focus on the links between Bangladesh and Europe. Relations between the EC and Bangladesh date from 1973. The EC has been represented in Bangladesh since 1982 and has had a full-fledged delegation in the country since 1989. The two major aspects of the EC-Bangladesh bond are development cooperation and trade. The Ambassador said in his message, "The EU's success can be put down to several factors. The key factor has been a shared set of values: democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, social justice, respects for cultural difference and minorities and tolerance." "Considering the relationship between the EU and Bangladesh, I am happy to note that we do share values such as those just mentioned. It is on the basis of these common values that we should continue to build our cooperation and enhance our trust and support for each other," he also said. In Bangladesh, the EC finances a multitude of NGO projects -- from access to clean water to fighting human trafficking and supporting landless farmers or minority groups. Most of the projects target the most vulnerable and poorest members

The purpose of the photo exhibition was to showcase examples of the work that the NGO partners of the EC are carrying out to improve the living standards of the less fortunate in Bangladesh. Some 36 photographs were highlighted in the exhibition with the impact of 12 NGOs' activities on the underprivileged and marginalised. The participating organisations were - CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation, Group Development, RDRS (Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service), Handicap International, ARBAN (Association for Realisation of Basic Needs), Intervida, Concern Universal, CHARM - Chittagong Hill Tracts Improved Natural Resources Management Project, Koinonia, Unicef and Caritas.

Shafiqul Alam Kiron (for Handicap International), a young batsman was focused on the ball, ready to strike. Looking closely, one would notice the ardent sportsman was balanced on one leg. Close shot of a rural woman with her fishing net by Marcella Haddad (for CAFOD) zooms in on the subject's eyes where the gaze exudes self-confidence. Group Development's photos addressed the issue of the gender inequality. One of Unicef's photos (by Sujan) showed a mother signing a birth registration form during a health campaign by the organisation in Dhaka. The image of an Orao child by S H Suza (for RDRS) is sure to grab one's attention. Dust and mud all over - the young one is sporting a headgear with bright purple flowers and a smile all the money in the world can't buy. The exhibition was concluded on May 12.