WaterAid marks 40 years in Bangladesh with Agargaon exhibition: 40 photographs tell stories of lives changed by water and sanitation

WaterAid is celebrating four decades of work in Bangladesh promoting safe water, dignified sanitation and healthy habits. To mark the occasion, a photography and film exhibition titled ‘Sukh Futeche Mukher Rekhay’ has opened at the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) in Agargaon, Dhaka, featuring 40 photographs telling stories of lives transformed.

Hasin Jahan, WaterAid's regional director for South Asia, inaugurated the exhibition on Friday. Azman Ahmed Chowdhury, WaterAid Bangladesh's country director, was present, along with representatives of government institutions, partner and donor organisations, former staff, private-sector representatives and well-wishers.

Alongside the photographs, the exhibition includes displays of partner organisations' activities, films, a virtual reality tour and audiovisual presentations. Together they show what kind of change safe water, sanitation and healthy habits can bring to people's health, dignity and daily lives.

Speaking at the opening, Hasin Jahan said WaterAid's 40-year journey in Bangladesh was the result of the combined efforts of communities, colleagues, partners and institutions. She noted that the voices and leadership of women, young people and persons with disabilities had made the organisation's work more inclusive, and renewed a pledge to build an inclusive, climate-resilient future and ensure water security for all.

WaterAid began working in Bangladesh in 1986. Since then it has worked with local communities, government institutions, civil society and the private sector on water, sanitation and hygiene challenges — delivering services to underserved people, strengthening institutions, contributing to policy, and promoting inclusive and climate-resilient solutions.

Country director Azman Ahmed Chowdhury said the four decades were a story of changing lives through safe water, sanitation and healthy habits, and of strengthening service systems. The participation, experience and leadership of women, young people and persons with disabilities had made the work more inclusive, he said, renewing the commitment to ensure safe and sustainable services for everyone, everywhere.

According to the organisers, the photographs show both the changes that safe water, sanitation and healthy habits have brought to people's lives and the continuing need to reach those still without services.

The opening day's programme included a special session with partner organisations and former staff, youth engagement activities, and regional gender-equality initiatives. The event also gave people connected with WaterAid Bangladesh's journey a chance to reunite, reminisce and exchange views.

The exhibition remains open to all until Saturday, 31 October, from 10am to 7pm each day. WaterAid Bangladesh has invited visitors to come with friends and family.