A week-long exhibition, titled Keboli Drishyer Jonmo Hoy, featuring 64 of the brilliant works that participated in the competition was inaugurated at the Drik Gallery on March 8.

Noted photographer Sayeeda Khanam inaugurated the exhibition. Farida Akhter, executive director of Narigrantho Probartana attended the event as the chief guest. Mehboob Chowdhury, CCO of banglalink also attended the inaugural.

Sayeeda Khanam said, "Fifty years ago when I embarked on my career, I was the only female photographer around. I had to face impediments day in, day out. It is heartening to see all these gleaming faces around me. I'm impressed by the depth demonstrated in some of these photographs. I'm content with the prospect for female photographers in our country."

The names of the winners were subsequently announced. Rokhsana Anjuman, Tajnur Trisha and Badrun Nahar were selected as Grand Prize winners -- each received Taka 50,000. Rabeya Sarkar Reema, Momen Jalil and Ishrat Jahan Nipa won the Honorary Prizes, receiving Taka 10,000 each.

A photographer's indispensable tool is not the camera but his/her eyes. It is one's vision and ability to carry that message across to the viewers which makes one an effectual photographer. While some of the photographs on display manifest the aesthetic senses, some narrate stories -- stories of mundane life, of unyielding struggles, of the flashy facades of a metropolis and its darkest corners where the unfortunate drifters scavenge for food and the seclusion of women encouraged by the society at certain occasions.

Chheleder Utshob by Tajnur Trisha features a close shot of a flame-thrower. The image next to that is titled, Matamoho. The black and white photograph by Eloza Aziz is of an elderly woman, skillfully detailing the character in her face, every wrinkle adding to it.

Hall-er Jibon by Shimu Roy highlights female students in a dormitory trying to entertain themselves by singing. A harmonium is at the centre of the well-composed photograph. Swapnomoy Dhaka by Shameema Khan is a shot of the Farmgate area at night. Bright colourful city lights and headlights of rushing cars create an illusion of a utopia.

Khudha by Farhana K Godhuli shows hands reaching out for food. Homeless people have gathered at some social occasion expecting free food. Beauty-er Duti Chokh by Rokhsana Anjuman features a visually impaired young woman trying to turn on her tape player. The partial view of her room shows a doll sitting on her table.

Oboshishto by Fariha Sultana displays several broken scissors while Prarombho by Chowdhury Naseema Shabnam shows a school assembly on a rainy morning where youngsters in gray-green uniform have formed queues. Pobitro Bhumitey by Faguni Barua features an extended queue of Buddhist monks in their traditional gerua attire.

Anishchoyota by Ishrat Jahan Nipa displays outlines of boats clouded by fog. Kintu Tarpor by Rokhsana Afroz shows a disabled young woman, tastefully attired in navy blue with a toddler sitting next to her on a sidewalk, soliciting.

These fascinating images and more are a visual treat, which can induce an array of emotions and thoughts among the viewers. The exhibition will continue till March 14.