Only 24 days to go until the grand inauguration of one of South Asia’s most exciting photography festivals. Chobi Mela XI will open on January 16, 2026, and run until January 31, 2026, featuring a… Chobi Mela XI is knocking at the door!
Israeli forces intercepted ‘The Conscience,’ a Freedom Flotilla ship carrying 93 activists, doctors, and journalists, including Pathshala founder Shahidul Alam, headed to Gaza. Before losing contact, Alam shared a video stating they were detained mid-sea. The mission aimed to challenge Israel’s blockade and advocate for press freedom.
ASM Rezaur Rahman has been appointed Festival Director for the upcoming Chobi Mela! A long-time curator for the festival, Reza brings creativity and deep experience to this new leadership role. We also thank outgoing director Tanzim Wahab for his dedication, as he continues to shape the festival’s vision in his new capacity.
The Chobi Mela Fellowship Programme supports Bangladeshi new media artists in developing independent, experimental projects. Since 2017, it has encouraged diverse artists to explore lens-based practices within contemporary art, under the mentorship of interdisciplinary artist Sohrab Jahan. The eleventh edition’s fellowship is supported by the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation.
Chobi Mela, the first festival of photography in Asia, is one of the most exciting ventures that Drik and Pathshala has initiated. The first Chobi Mela – International Festival of Photography was held in December 2000 – January 2001. It is the most demographically inclusive photo festival in the world and is held every two years in Dhaka.