The purpose of photography is not just to record history, be that unpleasant or amicable, or to capture a memorable moment, but it is also an artistic medium to evoke feelings in the viewer that transcend the mundane present. For the last few years, photographers in Bangladesh have proven their dedication and commitment through meditation and practice and to appreciate their efforts, The Daily Star and Standard Chartered Bank have been conducting an annual contest since 2008 titled “Celebrating Life”, giving both budding and professional photographers room to grow. As M Yousuf Tusher, winner of the photography contest of the year 2011, puts it “I would never have got to where I am today, had it not been for this contest.”
Each year, a particular theme is selected and photographers are invited to submit a maximum of three entries. From 2008 to 2012, the themes of the contest were “Bangladesh, My Love”, “Celebrating Womanhood”, “Indomitable Bangladesh”, “Gifts of Nature & the Rivers of Bangladesh”, and “Celebrating the Youth of Bangladesh” respectively. This year's theme for the contest was “Empowerment of Women”, under which a large number of photographs were submitted. The top winners of the contest will be awarded this weekend, at the Gala Night of “Celebrating Life 2013” on 4 October at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium -- as part of the awards given in four categories: Best Lyricists, Best Photographers, Best Film Directors and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The winner of the photography contest receives a cash prize of Tk. 100,000, the first runner-up receives Tk. 50,000 and the second runner-up wins Tk. 25,000.