Macron writes to PM over French photographer’s exhibition in Dhaka

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his happiness over the exhibition of photographs taken in December 1971 by French photographer Marc Riboud that is taking place at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka.

In a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the French President said the photos soberly illustrate, with great humanity, the events that led to the independence of Bangladesh, reports UNB.

Marc Riboud had then spent a month with the "Mukhti Bahini", the freedom fighters, and was one of the very first to enter Dhaka, freed on December 16th 1971, Macron mentioned.

"These unique pictures show the admirable courage of Bengali people defending their freedom, their language, their culture, responding to the call of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rhaman," the letter reads.

They also witness the interest of France and French people for a determined nation and a country full of promises, as Andre Malraux expressed right after the declaration of independence, according to the letter.

"I am pleased in that regard that this exhibition also contributes to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries that followed very closely the end of the war, as well as a never disproven relationship of trust and friendship," President Macron mentioned in his letter addressed to Prime Minister Hasina.

The solo photography exhibition titled "Bangladesh 1971: Mourning and Morning" by Marc Riboud began on October 16.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean-Marin Schuh joined the inaugural session of the exhibition.

It is a unique exhibition of never-before-seen photographs taken during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Fifty photographs are put on display for the exhibition. This exhibition is being held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.

Marc Riboud passed away in Paris in 2016 at the age of 93. The majority of his archives were given to the National Museum of Asian Arts - Guimet in Paris.

The ongoing exhibition will remain open to all till November 16. Visiting hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sunday).