European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller visited the exhibition "Women in the July Uprising: Essential Then—Why Erased Now?" on the third day of the Chobi Mela in the capital. Photo: Video Screenshot

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - The European Union (EU) today reaffirmed its 
support for women's participation in democratic life as a cornerstone of 
resilience, prosperity and security, with its envoy stressing recognition and 
equal space for women in civic, political and media spheres.

"That open and democratic societies are a cornerstone of resilience, 
prosperity and security. That women's participation is essential," European 
Union ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller said. 

The envoy made the remarks at a guided tour of the exhibition 'Women in the 
July Uprising: Essential Then-Why Erased Now?' on the third day of the 11th 
edition of Chobi Mela - International Festival of Photography (CM XI), held 
at the South Plaza of the Bangladesh National Parliament on Manik Mia Avenue.

Miller attended the event as Special Guest, alongside Festival Chief Advisor 
Shahidul Alam, Festival Director ASM Rezaur Rahman, exhibition researcher and 
photographer Jannatul Mawa, and Artistic Director Munem Wasif.

"In Europe and in Bangladesh ... the photos bring women into view, as 
individuals with agency and courage, and as such they make a call for 
recognition and equal space, in civic life, in political processes, in media 
narratives and in institutions", her said noting that the EU is a partner of 
Chobi Mela XI.

Shahidul Alam said that while mobile exhibitions had been organised in the 
past to reach wider audiences, the choice of the National Parliament as the 
venue carried symbolic significance in light of the democratic spirit 
reflected in the July uprising.

The exhibition recalled women's pivotal participation in the uprising through 
works by 25 photographers, while the festival spans 16 days and features nine 
exhibitions across five venues in Dhaka, including the Bangladesh National 
Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Alliance Fran‡aise de Dhaka, DrikPath Bhaban and 
the National Parliament.

This year's edition brought together 58 participants from 18 countries across 
five continents under the theme 'Re', alongside workshops and an educational 
outreach programme engaging around 1,000 schoolchildren. 
The festival will continue until January 31.