‘A photograph is history’: DSCC administrator praises photojournos

The role of photojournalists in documenting Bangladesh’s history is undeniable and their contribution will remain part of the country’s history as long as Bangladesh exists, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam said on Saturday.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the ‘Ruposhi Bangla’ exhibition organised at the Bangladesh Photojournalists Association (BPJA) hallroom in Purana Paltan.

Abdus Salam said people who carry greater responsibilities and work under greater risks often remained undervalued, while photojournalists had to face some of the highest risks in carrying out their professional duties.

“They have to work in front of gunfire, amid tear gas and during baton charges. At times, while attackers move to assault protesters, journalists themselves become victims of violence,” he said.

He said a print journalist could sometimes report an event from a relatively safe distance, but a photojournalist had to go directly to the scene to capture images, making the risks considerably higher.

“Despite the level of responsibility they carry, photojournalists do not always receive the recognition they deserve,” the DSCC administrator said.

He stressed that a photograph could preserve an entire chapter of history. From the emergence of Bangladesh to the struggles and movements that followed, photojournalists had captured many of the country’s most significant moments through their cameras.

The images taken during the Liberation War in 1971, the post-independence period and subsequent movements and struggles would help future generations understand the country’s history and draw inspiration from it, he said.

“Many things can be said through a single photograph,” Abdus Salam said, adding that an image could show the world what was happening in a country.

He said a lengthy report could sometimes be presented in a particular way, but a photograph could directly expose the reality of an event. Therefore, those who preserved such truths through their cameras deserved greater recognition.

Abdus Salam assured the photojournalists of his support and said he would try to assist them within his capacity if they raised legitimate demands.

“If there is anything I can do from the DSCC regarding your space or office-related issues, I will try to do so,” he said.

He also stressed that professional work was not always driven by material exchange, saying sincerity, interest and love for one’s work were essential.

He recalled that photojournalists had remained alongside other journalists during 17 years of movements and struggles, working in the field, attending rallies and meetings and documenting the realities of different stages of those movements.

Their photographs had played an important role in bringing many incidents before the public and shaping public opinion, he said.

Calling on photojournalists to highlight their legitimate demands and concerns during the current democratic government, Abdus Salam reiterated his commitment to standing by them in the future.

Referring to the ‘Ruposhi Bangla’ exhibition, he said such initiatives should continue. The history of photojournalists would remain as long as Bangladesh’s history survived, while their names would also be remembered alongside the photographs they captured at important moments in the nation’s history.