Bangladesh in his heart
Photography exhibition on Shamsur Rahman
Karim Waheed
Perhaps no other poet could make an impact to the extent of Shamsur Rahman in post-Liberation Bangladesh. Neither perhaps could any of his contemporaries enjoy the same degree of mass adulation. Though the wizard of words is no more, his verses remain an inspiration to millions. The indivisible bond between a mother and her offspring -- often a metaphor for one's ties with the motherland -- was a recurring theme in Rahman's poetry. A photography exhibition titled Buk Taar Bangladesh-er Hridoy, featuring images of the poet, shot by MA Taher was inaugurated at Bengal Shilpalaya on January 16. Taher, a freelance photographer, was close to the poet and had the opportunity to accompany him at key public events as well as catch glimpses of his casual family life. Zohra Rahman, widow of the poet, was the chief guest at the event; Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui and Professor Kabir Chowdhury were special guests. Among other dignitaries attending the event were artistes Qayyum Chowdhury, Ferdausi Priyobhashini and Murtaja Baseer. Taher prefers themed photographs. His work has appeared in several government and non-government publications, newspapers, calendars and posters. He is the International Affairs Secretary and FIAP liaison officer of Bangladesh Photographic Society. Taher is a recipient of honourable mention at the BPS Annual Contest (1999), Photography Award, USA (1996-94), 23rd Seikyo International Award, Japan (1993), Certificate of Merit and Young Buddhist Association of Thailand (1992). His solo exhibitions include Buddhists of Bangladesh (New York, 1995), Ruposhi Bangladesh (New York, 1994), Life of Visuddhananda Mahathero (Dhaka) and more. At the inaugural, the photographer said, "One of Shamsur Rahman's endearing traits was his ability to befriend people. I was always treated like a family member." Photographs bring to light not only a Bangladeshi icon but also a family man; a public figure taking a stand against fundamentalists and enjoying solitude. Both black and white and colour photographs are included in the exhibition. As portraits, the back and white images stand out for their obvious aesthetic appeal and display of a photographer's love affair with lights and shadows. Colour photographs document important events in the poet's life. Images frame the poet with Kalim Sharafi, Professor Kabir Chowdhury, Syed Shamsul Haque and Kamal Lohani at the fourth anniversary of Ghatak Dalaal Nirmul Committee; meeting Ila Mitra and Ramen Mitra at their Kolkata home, receiving his D Lit at Rabindra Bharati University; exercising his rights as a citizen by casting his vote; with his mother and wife. Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui compared the relationship between the poet and Taher to that of Dr Johnson and Boswell. An unmistakable bond between the photographer and his subject -- the poet -- is apparent in the photographs. The exhibition will continue till January 22.
| 
