WaterAid's 40-Photograph Exhibition Opens in Agargaon, Marking Four Decades of Work in Bangladesh

A photography exhibition titled 'Sukh Futeche Mukher Rekhay' opened on Friday (30 October) at the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event marks four decades of WaterAid Bangladesh's work promoting safe water, dignified sanitation and healthy practices.

Forty photographs telling stories of how people's lives have changed are on display for the 40th anniversary. The event was inaugurated by Hasin Jahan, WaterAid's regional director for South Asia.

WaterAid Bangladesh Country Director Azman Ahmed Chowdhury was present at the opening, along with representatives of government institutions, partner and donor organisations, former staff and representatives of the private sector.

Alongside the photography exhibition, the programme includes displays of partner organisations' work, recognition of contributions by individuals and institutions, film screenings, a virtual reality tour and audiovisual presentations. Together they show what access to water, sanitation and healthy practices can change in people's lives.

The organisers said the exhibition will remain open to everyone on Saturday (31 October) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

At the opening, Hasin Jahan said she felt deep gratitude and pride at this moment of celebrating WaterAid's 40 years in Bangladesh. She said the views and leadership of women, young people and persons with disabilities have guided their work, making it more inclusive and more deeply connected to people's lives.

Hasin Jahan said that, honouring this collective achievement, they are renewing their pledge to build a more inclusive and climate-resilient future and to ensure water security for everyone, and to move forward together with courage, dedication and hope.

Azman Ahmed Chowdhury said WaterAid Bangladesh's four decades are a story of changing people's lives through safe water, sanitation and healthy practices and of strengthening service systems. He said the event is an occasion to honour everyone who contributed to that journey.

He added that the participation, experience and leadership of women, young people and persons with disabilities in particular have made their work more inclusive and more responsive to people's needs. He said that alongside celebrating the journey, they are also renewing their commitment to work for water, sanitation and hygiene, with the goal of ensuring safe and sustainable services for everyone, everywhere.

WaterAid Bangladesh said the organisation began work in Bangladesh in 1986. Since then it has worked with communities, government institutions, civil society and the private sector to address various challenges in water, sanitation and hygiene.

The organisers said the organisation supports reaching essential services to underserved people, building institutional capacity, contributing to policy-making and promoting inclusive and climate-resilient solutions.