Drik Gallery — Attraction in Dhaka Metropolitan

Drik Picture Library, Bangladesh is an independent media organisation that was established in 1989. Its major areas of expertise are advocacy and awareness campaigns, production of communication materials and training. Drik is able to provide one-stop cost effective multimedia services through its seven departments – Drik Images, Photography, Publication, Audiovisual, DrikNEWS, Gallery & Event Management and Research & Public Campaign

Drik (the Sanskrit word for vision) Picture Library Limited was founded in Dhaka, Bangladesh by a small group of people who wanted to give photographers in developing countries a platform on which they could display their own images of the world they lived in. Moved to act in light of the fact that “Most of the images of the developing world are taken by white non-indigenous photographers, either in-country staff of the above organisations or commissioned professional photographers sent in-country,” Drik’s mission is to collect, sell and distribute high-quality images of the developing world by the developing world.

Drik, Bangladesh is today an award winning organisation that has made excellence in client services along with challenging social inequality, its twin objectives. As an independent media organisation it has balanced its social goals with a high level of professionalism, ensuring high quality of services at competitive terms, a balance it has maintained over its near 30 year history.

Set up on principles of social equality, it uses media to highlight issues relating to human rights, democracy and governance. Drik has trained working class children, women, physically challenged people and people of minority groups. Drik finds creative expressions for highlighting discrimination and stigma, by mainstreaming subjects. It derives its strength from synergy between its various departments and its unique range of initiatives, i.e., ChobiMela – International Festival of Photography, RVJN (Rural Visual Journalism Network) and the complementary organisations, i.e. Majority World Photo Agency (registered in UK), Pathshala South Asian...

Drik, one of the award winning exhibition venues at Dhaka city, was designed by one of the most influential Architect, Bashirul Haq (24 June 1942 – 4 April 2020). In sanskrit, the word 'Drik' means a picture, and it was founded in 1989 by a small group of people for emerging photographers and artists as a platform to display their work.

Drik Gallery was previously located at Dhanmondi Road 15/A. Various exhibitions are held here through their seven service departments such as Drik Images, Photography, Publication, Audiovisual, DrikNEWS, Gallery & Event Management and Research & Public Campaign. There is also a rooftop cafe with a spectacular view of the country's National Parliament Building (Sangsad Bhavan). The rooftop cafe has both outdoor and indoor spaces with lush gardens and cosy seating. The cafeteria serves as a perfect place to unwind after...

I visited Drik Gallery in 2019 to attend the Evergreens Bonsai Society’s first annual Bonsai Exhibition, and it was a delightful experience. The exhibition featured an impressive collection of bonsai trees in various styles and species, showcasing the dedication and skill of the society’s members. The diversity of the bonsai collection was truly captivating, offering a serene and artistic atmosphere.

As for Drik Gallery itself, it proved to be a perfect venue for such a unique exhibition. The gallery space was well-organized, clean, and provided ample natural light, which enhanced the visual appeal of the bonsai displays. Located in a convenient part of Dhaka, the gallery is easily accessible and stands out as a hub for creative and cultural events. Overall, my visit was both inspiring...