‘Frames of Freedom’ honours students’ creativity and resilience

BRAC University Marketing Association (BUMA) recently hosted an evocative photography marketing competition titled "Frames of Freedom." This initiative commemorated the student movement of July 2024, aiming to honour its memory while giving amateur photographers a chance to shine. The competition, sponsored by MACES, Bangladesh's premier education consultancy, offered students a platform to channel their creativity. MACES' consistent support for student endeavours added credibility to the event.

BUMA collaborated with six vibrant co-organisers, including Army-IBA Business and Leadership Club, Nirban: An Artistic Platform for IUTians, BUP Photography Society, Rotaract Club of East West University, Photography Club of BNMPC, and SAGC Photography Club. Together, these institutions invited students to capture moments reflecting the theme "Remembering the Days of Our 2nd Independence." This theme celebrated the resilience and transformative spirit of the July movement, inspiring photographers to visualise freedom through their lenses.

Renowned experts judged the submissions. Tanvir Murad Topu, head of Photography at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, and Shafiqul Alam Kiron, photographer at MAP Photo Agency, brought expertise and depth to the evaluation process. The competition concluded with a grand award ceremony and exhibition at BRAC University on December 05, where the top fifty photographs were displayed. Nishat Tasnim Nazia from Shaheed Bir Uttam Anwar Girls’ College emerged as the winner. Aditya Das of Bhawal Badre Alam Government College secured the runner-up position, while Mominur Jaman from Dhaka Residential Model College won the Popular Choice Award. Humayra Akter Mahi of BRAC University received an honourable mention for her exceptional contribution.

The prize for the winner was Tk 20,000. The runner-up received Tk 15,000, and the Popular Vote Winner, based on the highest number of Facebook likes, was awarded Tk 10,000. The dignitaries present at the ceremony included MACES Managing Partner Rouham Manzoor, BRACU Registrar Dr David Dowland, Proctor and Assistant Professor Rubana Ahmed, and BUMA Club Advisor Dr Syed Far Abid Hossain. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and celebrated the photographers' achievements.

Winner Nishat Tasnim Nazia described her experience as "deeply humbling”. Reflecting on the July movement's inspiration, she said, "The concept allowed me to explore the raw energy and transformative spirit of change. Through my lens, I aimed to capture its dynamic power. I'm grateful to BUMA for providing this platform."

Popular Choice Winner Mominur Jaman echoed similar sentiments. "This recognition motivates me to pursue my passion for storytelling through photography. Thanks to BUMA for organising such a meaningful competition and to the judges for their invaluable feedback."

Frames of Freedom is more than an exhibition; it is a tribute to the courage and resilience of the Bangladeshi people who stood against oppression. "We at BRAC University Marketing Association hope to encourage our generation to cherish freedom, remember our past, and acknowledge the importance of unity in creating a just society by presenting these potent protest moments through the eyes of young photographers." remarked the organisers.