Drik Picture Library

Bangladeshi photography agency and media organisation founded in 1989, focused on social justice, education, and advocacy with a local focus. Drik (Sanskrit: ‘vision’) Picture Library was founded by a small group of people led by photojournalist and activist Shahidul Alam, to educate and create awareness among Bangladeshi photographers about professional freelance practices, including copyright laws; and provide them opportunities to cover local events at a time when Western representation and outlooks were the norm in the Global South. Today Drik provides photography services, audiovisual and publication services, stock images, and services for research-based awareness campaigns, in addition to training provided by its sister organisation Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. Its initiatives include the Chobi Mela photography festival, Rural Visual Journalism Network (RVJN), and a gallery in Dhaka. Drik’s international counterpart is the Majority World Photo Agency.