Dhaka: The European Union (EU) today reaffirmed its support for women's participation in democratic life as a cornerstone of resilience, prosperity, and security, with its envoy stressing recognition and equal space for women in civic, political, and media spheres. "That open and democratic societies are a cornerstone of resilience, prosperity, and security. That women's participation is essential," European Union ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the envoy made the remarks at a guided tour of the exhibition 'Women in the July Uprising: Essential Then-Why Erased Now?' on the third day of the 11th edition of Chobi Mela - International Festival of Photography (CM XI), held at the South Plaza of the Bangladesh National Parliament on Manik Mia Avenue. Miller attended the event as a Special Guest, alongside Festival Chief Advisor Shahidul Alam, Festival Director ASM Rezaur Rahman, exhibition researcher and photographer Jannatul Mawa, and Artistic Director Munem Wasif.
"In Europe and in Bangladesh ... the photos bring women into view, as individuals with agency and courage, and as such they make a call for recognition and equal space, in civic life, in political processes, in media narratives, and in institutions," he said, noting that the EU is a partner of Chobi Mela XI. Shahidul Alam remarked that while mobile exhibitions had been organized in the past to reach wider audiences, the choice of the National Parliament as the venue carried symbolic significance in light of the democratic spirit reflected in the July uprising.
The exhibition recalled women's pivotal participation in the uprising through works by 25 photographers, while the festival spans 16 days and features nine exhibitions across five venues in Dhaka, including the Bangladesh National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Alliance Fran§aise de Dhaka, DrikPath Bhaban, and the National Parliament. This year's edition brought together 58 participants from 18 countries across five continents under the theme 'Re', alongside workshops and an educational outreach programme engaging around 1,000 schoolchildren. The festival will continue until January 31.