“Save The River Buriganga” opens at AFD

The environment and ecology of Bangladesh are facing adverse effects of global warming and climate change. The riverine land of Bangladesh has seen an alarmingly deteriorating condition of its rivers in recent years. Photojournalist Fojit Sheikh Babu has been documenting the deplorable condition of rivers for a while now, and his latest solo photography exhibition, “Save The River Buriganga” opened yesterday at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD).

Dhaka city was founded about four hundred years ago on the banks of the river Buriganga, and it was the life of the city. Extreme levels of pollution have nearly killed off Buriganga -- due to unplanned industrialisation, a lack of public awareness and illegal occupation of the river banks.

Babu has previously held two photography exhibitions to raise awareness on climate change and river pollution – “Stop the Climate Change” and “Save the River Shitalaksya”. This exhibition – his fifth solo -- is a continuation of his efforts to prevent illegal occupation and pollution of the river Buriganga.

Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman, renowned artist Shahabuddin Ahmed, Narayanganj-1 lawmaker Golam Dastagir Gazi (Bir Pratik) and World University of Bangladesh VC Prof. Abdul Mannan Chowdhury were guests at the inauguration.