Page 430 - Art and Crafts of Bangladesh

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Photographs began to be used in Bengali newspapers during the movement against
Bangabhanga (the first partition of Bengal) (fig. 10.2). The opportunity to publish
photographs in newspapers was available during those times and it was equally
possible to fall in disfavor of the authorities in this regard. Under these circumstances
an album titled Rakhi-samkranti was published containing eight photographs on the
movement against Bangabhanga. 42
Photographs began to be used in Bengali newspapers during the decade of the 20s in
the 20th century. The term ‘Sachitra’ (illustrated) was then written before the names
of some of the newspapers. The weekly Sachitra Sonar Bangla published from Dhaka
in 1932 can be stated as an example. During that period Chabuk, a paper from Dhaka
also started to use pictures.
3.0 Photography in Bangladesh before the Partition
The Indian subcontinent was divided after long British colonial rule lasting for more
than two hundred years, mainly on the two nations theory based on religion.
Photography continued and flourished in a separate trend, like other branches of
culture in this Bengali-inhabited region (the then East Pakistan) with a Muslim
majority. The photographic practices, achievements and experiences of photographers
before the partition in 1947 provided guidance. However, the autocracy and the
misrule of the imperialistic Pakistanis and the context of the time and space, the state
of upheaval and movements by the people of the country did not give stability to its
practice and endeavors.
Before the independence of Bangladesh, during 1947-1971, numerous renowned
photographers and photojournalists arrived in Bangladesh. In this period, a number of
organizations or institutes related to photography were set up. Scores of photographic
studios were set up not only in Dhaka, but also in the whole country. Photojournalism
developed and progressed institutionally. The main photographic themes of this era
were the Language Movement and the struggle of the common people of this country
against the almost two-decade-long reign and oppression by Pakistan; as well as the
incomparable natural beauty of this country.
3.1 Photographers
During 1947-1970 many photographers made important contributions to various
branches of photography and gave expression to their artistic talents, in spite of
limited facilities. Among them Golam Kashem Dady (1894-1998), Azmal Haq,
Amanul Haq (1926-), Naib Uddin Ahmed (1926-), Kafil Uddin Ahmed (1929-2001),
M. A. Beg (1931-1998), Ansar Uddin Ahmed (1913-), Bijon Sarker (1935-), Noazesh
Ahmed (1935-), Syed Anisul Hossain (1937-), Golam Mustafa (1941-) and others are
mentionable. Anwar Hossain (1948- ), an eminent photographer of present-day
Bangladesh, began photography during the end of the 60s and his unusual talent was
manifest right from the beginning (fig. 10.3).
The unparalleled beauty of the country and different aspects of people’s lifestyle were
the main photographic subjects of this period. Occassionally portrait photography was