Mohammed Arfan Asif, ARPS, AFIAP, AICS
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I will be the first to admit that judging is far from being an exact science. I have been on numerous juries all across the globe, and can assure you that even the same jury, on a different occasion might make a substantially different choice. I like to think that Drik attempts to be fair in its judgement. In fact, generally we avoid having Drik staff on the jury altogether. Even when there is a Drik staff member present, we always ensure that the majority of the jury is made up of non-Drik people. That was also the case in the contests you mention. I am happy that your photograph won 1st prize in the Venice contest. Please send me more information on the win and I will try and publish the news on this blog. It is important that people realise how well Bangladeshis are doing internationally.

Best wishes,

Shahidul Alam

I would like to criticize the selection policies of Climate Change Photo Contest and Exhibition 2008 by Drik. I have submitted relevant 5 pictures on the exact theme but none of my photos has been selected even for exhibition. But I saw some selected pictures those have no relevancy to the theme. I think that Drik didn’t practice fair judgment. As your organization is very famous and have superior goodwill in the mainstream photography business and education. But, I need to let you know the fact that Drik is biased and do care about only their staffs, foes, friends and students or related people under their shade on the occasion of contest, exhibition etc. In the last arrangement of Drik’s Anti Corruption Photo Contest I submitted a relevant photo which had not been selected too. But, that photo was awarded 1st Prize in Venice International Photo Contest 2007 under Public Health Category which was organized by WHO Europe.

Best Wishes,

M R Hasan
(Mohammad Rakibul Hasan)