Photography is an art and a photographer is an artist. They “draw with lights”. A photographer always thinks differently and shows the world a single moment to tell a story from their own point of view, through the lens. And everyday, they dare to dream differently. It has been something that students here at the American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB) are encouraged to do – pursue their passions. And the AIUB Photography Club (AIUBPC) continuously strives to do just that. As one of the most proactive student clubs in the university, their 4^th national photography exhibition, the “Tale of the Darkroom II”, has become a sought-after platform for young and talented photographers from various established universities and colleges to showcase their work to gain the coveted frame in the walls of the exhibition.

The exhibition was inaugurated on the 5^th of April 2018, by the Vice President of Academics and the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSIT), Prof. Dr. Tafazzal Hossain, at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, where he delivered a vote of thanks to all the participants, organizers, jurors, and curator for all their efforts and contribution that made the event a success. The 3-day exhibition showcased the work of amateur photographers across Bangladesh, reflecting their passion, creativity, and skill. 91 versatile images of 75 brilliant individuals from 85 different institutions, were selected from amidst an overwhelming response of over 6000 submissions from around 500 photographers hailing from different parts of the country, by iconic idols in the photography community of Bangladesh, with Mr. Syed Latif Hossain, a Professional Photographer and Mr. Kudrat E Khoda, a Professional Conservative Photographer as the members of the jury. Keeping the theme of a darkroom in mind, paying tribute to the history and roots of photography, the exhibition was perfectly designed by the curator, Mr. Mishuk Ashraful Awal, a Faculty Member in the Department of Photography at the Paathshala South Asian Media Institute. The exhibition was then extended to the AIUB Campus premises from the 9^th to the 10^th of April 2018, where the closing ceremony was done by the Founder and Vice President of Student Affairs, Mrs. Nadia Anwar, who also congratulated everyone on their hard work and perseverance in realizing yet another triumphant accomplishment in their pursuit for their passion of photography.

The overwhelming positive response and feedback the exhibition received throughout the event, was testament to all that these young talented individuals have achieved through their dedication and persistence, and are only certain to continue in the years to come. And AIUB, along with the rest of the photography community, proudly looks forward to AIUBPC’s next endeavor.