Our Story

A few years ago I produced a documentary about a forgotten community in Bangladesh. This is the so-called "bihari" or urdu-speaking community. After the devastating war in 1971, the urdu-speaking community of the newly created Bangladesh came to be seen as collaborators in the war. They were rounded up and put in internment camps for their own safety. Years went by and this community languished in over-crowded and unsanitary camps.

The documentary received the 2nd prize at the Kathmandu Film Festival, out of 39 film documentaries from south asia, and managed to raise a lot of awareness about the issue. It has played in festivals throughout the world. 

We then decided to put together an exhibition of photographs taken by camp children (passionately organised by Hannah Sholder) and outsiders on the meaning of citizenship for this desperate community. The result was the successful 2010 Ummid competition and exhibition held at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Bangladesh.

My next goal is to produce a book of a selection of the 500 photographs we received. Some are by children from the camps who were given disposable cameras and some by community people and professional photographers. These photos show that despite the horrendous conditions, life goes on and there is resilience and humour and love.

The Impact

Biharis are marginalised people. They have never been included to join mainstream life. To be part of a project where their lives are depicted through photographs and text and which is then published would be a cultural milestone for this community and for Bangladesh, as it takes tentative steps to becoming an inclusive country.

What We Need & What You Get

We will be printing in Bangladesh where high quality printing is affordable. For a run of 1500 books we need 3500. We need a further 1000 for the design/layout/proofreading/colour conversion ( a sum we have raised through supporters and friends). The format will be interestingly large! Full colour on art paper.  

You get a mention in the book for only $20! You get a mention and a free book for $35!! And if you contribute $100 or $200 - you get a bundle that will leave you speechless! Check the right hand side for the lowdown. 

Other Ways You Can Help

If you are unable to donate, please help spread the word by liking us on Facebook ( page coming) or sending this page around to friends.