‘Echoes of the Earth’ highlights climate crisis through photography

A photography exhibition and award ceremony titled “Echoes of the Earth: Photography for the Planet” opened at the National Press Club on Friday to raise public awareness about climate change risks and environmental protection.

The exhibition, jointly organised by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhara) and the Bangladesh Photojournalist Association (BPJA), began at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium, where organisers presented awards to the winners in the morning.

Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest. She said environmental destruction has intensified globally, while Bangladesh faces even harsher consequences. She stressed that strong political will and collective action remain essential to dismantle entrenched systems that harm nature. Murshid urged greater public movements to protect rivers, the environment and the climate, noting that the photographs clearly reveal the realities of environmental degradation.

Dhara Member Secretary Sharif Jamil said photography serves as a powerful tool for public awareness, often delivering stronger impact than words alone. He added that the exhibition aims to present the stark environmental realities of Dhaka and its surrounding rivers, which have suffered severe pollution and ecological damage.

Speakers at the event emphasised the need for environment-friendly initiatives to ensure sustainable development and energy security. Special guests included Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jalal Ahmed, Temple University professor and Dhara advisory committee member Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Tara Climate Foundation Bangladesh Programme Director Dr Shawkat Ara Begum, and BPJA General Secretary Babul Talukder.

The competition focused on two themes: air, water and soil pollution, and energy and environment. Judges selected 35 photographs for exhibition from around 1,500 submissions, and organisers awarded prizes to the winners.

In the energy category, Muhammad Mostafizur Rahman of bdnews24.com won first prize, followed by Habibur Rahman of The Daily Star and Minhaj Uddin of The Business Standard.

In the environment category, Mamunur Rashid of Samakal secured first prize, while Mehedi Hasan of Ajker Patrika and Sheikh Nasir of The Daily Star won second and third prizes respectively.

The two-day exhibition will continue until 7 February at the National Press Club premises and will remain open to the public from morning until evening.