Life and struggles of Mros in Bangladesh

Photographs at the exhibition

In 2002 and 2005 Mahmud spent nearly 100 days in Mro villages in Bandarban Sadar, Thanchi, Lama and Alikadam Upazilas in Bandarban district in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) taking photographs and collecting Mro folk tales.

A seven-day photography exhibition titled Ang Ing Mru Rung (We are the new people) featuring images of Mros and the locale they call home, by Mahmud is being held at Drik gallery.

In Bangladesh, Mros live only in Bandarban. According to the census conducted by Mro Social Culture in 1995, the Mro population in Bangladesh was 59,748. Mros were previously represented in certain books as a community with strange lifestyle residing in the Chittagong Hill tracts. Distorted images of their culture were presented. In these circumstances, reconstruction of an accurate image of the Mro cultural is a tough mission as the distortions reached into the deep roots in the mind of the people from other parts. Mahmud hopes that the exhibition will generate awareness of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Mros, thus giving us a better understanding of them.

The title of the exhibition, Ang Ing Mru Rung is taken from the Mro language. Mahmud has used Mro alphabets in the title.

Through his lens, Mahmud studies the customs, practices and beliefs of the Mro people. Along with the photographs, he has also presented in written form some folk tales in the exhibition. He provided the history of how the name Murong originated and the exhibition provided information on migration, Mro houses, Jhum (the practice of 'slash and burn' cultivation on hill slope), hunting, attire and ornaments, Champua and marriage, Chiashod Poi (cow-sacrificing ceremony), Chang kran (Mro new year), Teket (bamboo fight), exchange of gifts, diagnosis of diseases and death rituals.

Displayed photographs, capturing the miniatures of reality, make up statement on the life and struggles of Mros. Issues like right to the land, exploitation by moneylenders and status of women in Mro society are also addressed in the exhibition. Mahmud hopes that this exhibition will be helpful to recognise the distinct rights of the Mro people along with other adivasis (indigenous people) of Bangladesh.

According to Mahmud, the event is more than just a photography exhibition. The most important aspect of the event is to create relevant consciousness. Mahmud hopes that the photographs will goad conscience of the Bengalis, especially of the youngsters and students who are vaguely aware of the amazing lifestyle of a community that lives in the hills. Mahmud said, "It is our duty to respect the Mro way of life and give them a voice."

The exhibition is jointly organised by the embassy of Denmark and Map photo agency.

The exhibition ends today.