Counter Foto - A Center for Visual Arts

Counter Foto - A Center for Visual Arts Counter Foto - A Center for Visual Arts is an international photography-focused educational and cultural institute based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The department of photography at Counter Foto was established on November 23, 2012. Saiful Huq Omi and Andrew Biraj co-founded it. Later Din M Shibly joined as a Head of Academics. For the last one decade or so, Bangladesh has been contributing significantly in the world of photography. Though much have been achieved already, Bangladesh needed a photography institution at Counter Foto for caterin

g unique photographic education not only in Bangladesh but also other parts in Asia. On top of everything, we have always felt that, photography needs to be taught in a different way; it has to be indigenous having a deep social, political and cultural root in our own society, which enable the student to question themselves as well as the prevailing western notions. In that sense Counter Foto has created a niche space for the photographers since from its inception.

17/10/2025

*ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT*

Open Call: ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’ by Saiful Huq Omi.

Counter Foto is delighted to open applications for the ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’, led by Saiful Huq Omi - photographer, filmmaker, educator, human rights activist, and the founder and principal of Counter Foto.

This program will span six months of critical mentorship, drawing participants into a layered engagement with documentary photography across theoretical paradigms, psychoanalytic thought, and hands-on fieldwork. Under Saiful Huq Omi’s close guidance, participants will confront the politics of representation and narrative-building, and will transform their insights into a body of work shaped by the interplay of disciplined practice and critical thinking.

Duration of Program: 6 Months
Classes Begin: 21st October, 2025

Fees for Local Applicants: 60,000 BDT
Fees for Overseas Applicants: SAARC Countries - 500 USD, Other Asian Countries - 1000 USD, Countries from other continents - 2000 USD

Procedure for Application Submission:
* A complete CV
* A Motivational Letter (maximum 250 words) explaining your motivation, aspirations, and reasons for joining this mentorship program
* A Portfolio of 20-50 photographs (maximum 1500 pixels, JPEG format)
* A Text Description of your work
* Compile all documents and photographs into a single PDF file, not exceeding 20 MB
* Send your completed application to [email protected]
* Registration Form: https://forms.gle/5fNUa6QuVea8jivm9

For inquiries, you can reach us at 01318672983.

14/10/2025

*ONLY 4 SEATS LEFT*

Open Call: ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’ by Saiful Huq Omi.

Counter Foto is delighted to open applications for the ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’, led by Saiful Huq Omi - photographer, filmmaker, educator, human rights activist, and the founder and principal of Counter Foto.

This program will span six months of critical mentorship, drawing participants into a layered engagement with documentary photography across theoretical paradigms, psychoanalytic thought, and hands-on fieldwork. Under Saiful Huq Omi’s close guidance, participants will confront the politics of representation and narrative-building, and will transform their insights into a body of work shaped by the interplay of disciplined practice and critical thinking.

Duration of Program: 6 Months
Classes Begin: 21st October, 2025
Deadline for Application Submission: 14th October, 2025

Fees for Local Applicants: 60,000 BDT
Fees for Overseas Applicants: SAARC Countries - 500 USD, Other Asian Countries - 1000 USD, Countries from other continents - 2000 USD

Procedure for Application Submission:
* A complete CV
* A Motivational Letter (maximum 250 words) explaining your motivation, aspirations, and reasons for joining this mentorship program
* A Portfolio of 20-50 photographs (maximum 1500 pixels, JPEG format)
* A Text Description of your work
* Compile all documents and photographs into a single PDF file, not exceeding 20 MB
* Send your completed application to [email protected]
* Registration Form: https://forms.gle/5fNUa6QuVea8jivm9

For inquiries, you can reach us at 01318672983.

We, Counter Foto - A Center for Visual Arts, stand in unwavering solidarity with the call for the immediate and uncondit...
09/10/2025

We, Counter Foto - A Center for Visual Arts, stand in unwavering solidarity with the call for the immediate and unconditional release of Bangladeshi photographer and activist Dr. Shahidul Alam, along with the 91 other journalists, medics, and humanitarian workers aboard The Conscience, who have been illegally abducted in international waters by the genocidal and apartheid regime of Israel. We extend our solidarity as well to the thousands of Palestinians unjustly imprisoned without trial under Israel’s colonial carceral system.

Dr. Alam joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s latest civil resistance mission, on 28 September 2025, a transnational, civilian-led maritime intervention launched to challenge and break the illegal Israeli blockade on Gaza. The flotilla embodies a collective act of defiance and solidarity, asserting the moral and political right to resist siege, occupation, and genocidal violence.

As an art institution committed to the politics of freedom, justice, and human dignity, Counter Foto denounces the systematic silencing of dissent and the violent suppression of humanitarian missions. We recognize this moment not merely as an attack on individuals but as a continuation of the necropolitical logic that normalizes the annihilation of Palestinian life and erases acts of resistance from global consciousness.

We therefore demand justice, accountability, and the immediate cessation of Israel’s occupation and genocidal campaign in Palestine.

Read the full statement and sign here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OKYElzotRI0N3hKNcUxvBnalapFvvMwAwJf7aPfuA1w/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwVERDUANUmVNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHrpslXYhGn1M3W2RVEV57TjQj5JHTYWKim6LjPYjgYfXLts2PVSoEk1UR2O3_aem_m57tRFOzVD8REcoL55bF3w

A big round of applause to Md. Zobayer Hossain Joati, an alumnus of Counter Foto and currently based in Syracuse, New Yo...
09/10/2025

A big round of applause to Md. Zobayer Hossain Joati, an alumnus of Counter Foto and currently based in Syracuse, New York, where he earned his Master of Science in Multimedia, Photography, and Design from Syracuse University, for winning the First Prize in the 2025 World Report Award under the Student Award category.

Joati also participated in the Festival of Ethical Photography, Lodi, Italy, where his award-winning project "We Live to Fight", a compelling exploration of the cultural, social, and political dimensions of martial arts communities across Bangladesh, was exhibited.

06/10/2025

Open Call: ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’ by Saiful Huq Omi.

Counter Foto is delighted to open applications for the ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’, led by Saiful Huq Omi - photographer, filmmaker, educator, human rights activist, and the founder and principal of Counter Foto.

This program will span six months of critical mentorship, drawing participants into a layered engagement with documentary photography across theoretical paradigms, psychoanalytic thought, and hands-on fieldwork. Under Saiful Huq Omi’s close guidance, participants will confront the politics of representation and narrative-building, and will transform their insights into a body of work shaped by the interplay of disciplined practice and critical thinking.

Duration of Program: 6 Months
Classes Begin: 21st October, 2025
Deadline for Application Submission: 14th October, 2025

Fees for Local Applicants: 60,000 BDT
Fees for Overseas Applicants: SAARC Countries - 500 USD, Other Asian Countries - 1000 USD, Countries from other continents - 2000 USD

Procedure for Application Submission:
* A complete CV
* A Motivational Letter (maximum 250 words) explaining your motivation, aspirations, and reasons for joining this mentorship program
* A Portfolio of 20-50 photographs (maximum 1500 pixels, JPEG format)
* A Text Description of your work
* Compile all documents and photographs into a single PDF file, not exceeding 20 MB
* Send your completed application to [email protected]
* Registration Form: https://forms.gle/5fNUa6QuVea8jivm9

For inquiries, you can reach us at 01318672983.

কিংবদন্তি চলচ্চিত্র পরিচালক ঋত্বিক কুমার ঘটক-এর জন্মশতবার্ষিকী উপলক্ষে Counter Foto - A Center For Visual Arts-এ প্রদর্শ...
06/10/2025

কিংবদন্তি চলচ্চিত্র পরিচালক ঋত্বিক কুমার ঘটক-এর জন্মশতবার্ষিকী উপলক্ষে Counter Foto - A Center For Visual Arts-এ প্রদর্শিত হতে যাচ্ছে প্রামাণ্যচিত্র নির্মাতা মোল্লা সাগর পরিচালিত সিনেমা ‘ভবার ভিটা’।

Counter Foto - A Center For Visual Arts-এর পক্ষ থেকে বিশেষ এই প্রদর্শনীতে আপনাদের সকলকে আন্তরিকভাবে আমন্ত্রণ জানাই।

ঋত্বিক ঘটকের জীবন, দর্শন ও চলচ্চিত্রভাষার অনন্য উত্তরাধিকারকে স্মরণ করার এই উদ্যোগে আপনাদের স্বতঃস্ফূর্ত উপস্থিতি ও উৎসাহ আমাদের প্রয়াসকে আরও অর্থবহ করে তুলবে।

মোল্লা সাগর লিখেছেন - "পুরনো ঢাকার একটি বাড়িতে ১৯২৫ সালের ৪ নভেম্বর ভবা-ভবি যমজ দু”ভাই বোনের জন্ম। '৪৭ এর দেশভাগের পর ভবা ও তার পরিবার চলে যান ওপার বাংলায়, ভবি থেকে যান বাংলাদেশে। ভবা তাঁর মনোজগতে একটা নতুন বাড়ির সন্ধান করতে করতে ১৯৭৬ সালে দেহ ত্যাগ করেন। ঢাকাতে ২০১৪ সালে ভবির সাথে আমার সাক্ষাৎ। ভবিকে সঙ্গে নিয়ে পুরনো ঢাকায় তাঁদের জন্মভিটা খুঁজে দেখার ইচ্ছা হোল।এটাই ছিলো ছবিটির মুল ভাবনা। ভবি (৯০ বছর ) তখন স্মৃতি হারিয়েছেন অনেকটা, একপ্রকার বিছানায় - তাই আমি তার কাছে স্বারক স্বরূপ তাঁদের ব্যবহৃত কিছু একটা আবদার করি। তিনি ভবার একটা সাদাকালো স্থির চিত্র আমাকে উপহার দেন ।যা ছিলো আমার পরম পাওয়া ।

ছবিটিকে ফোরগ্রাউন্ডে রেখে আমি ক্যামেরা নিয়ে বের হই পুরনো ঢাকার সেই বাড়িটির খোঁজে, আর আমার পেছনে থাকে আমার টিম। সাদাকালো ছবি হয়ে আমাদের সাথে পুরনো ঢাকা ঘুরে ফেরেন ভবা, এভাবে ঘোরাঘুরি আর ভবির সাথে গল্প করতে করতে জন্ম হয় “ভবার ভিটা“ চলচ্চিত্রের ।

বিশেষ দ্রষ্টব্য: ভবা (ঋত্বিক কুমার ঘটক) আর ভবি (প্রতীতি দেবী ঘটক) ওদের ছেলেবেলার ডাকনাম।"

প্রদর্শনীর পর থাকবে একটি সংক্ষিপ্ত আলোচনা পর্ব, যেখানে আমরা ঋত্বিক কুমার ঘটক-এর চিন্তাধারা, তাঁর প্রভাব, এবং সমকালীন প্রাসঙ্গিকতা নিয়ে কথা বলব।

📅 তারিখ: ১০ই অক্টোবর, ২০২৫ (শুক্রবার)
🕡 সময়: সন্ধ্যা ৭:০০ টা
📍 স্থান: ১৪ পূর্ব শেওড়াপাড়া, মিরপুর, ঢাকা - ১২১৬

নিবন্ধন লিংকঃ https://forms.gle/Q9fUgWJhUiJoc8yF8

অংশগ্রহণ নিশ্চিত করতে, অনুগ্রহ করে নিবন্ধন ফর্ম জমা দিন। আরও তথ্যের জন্য, অনুগ্রহ করে আমাদের সাথে যোগাযোগ করুন এই নাম্বারে, +8801318672983.

27/09/2025

Open Call: ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’ by Saiful Huq Omi

Counter Foto is delighted to open applications for the ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’, led by Saiful Huq Omi - photographer, filmmaker, educator, human rights activist, and the founder and principal of Counter Foto.

This program will span six months of critical mentorship, drawing participants into a layered engagement with documentary photography across theoretical paradigms, psychoanalytic thought, and hands-on fieldwork. Under Saiful Huq Omi’s close guidance, participants will confront the politics of representation and narrative-building, and will transform their insights into a body of work shaped by the interplay of disciplined practice and critical thinking.

Duration of Program: 6 Months
Classes Begin: 21st October, 2025
Deadline for Application Submission: 14th October, 2025

Fees for Local Applicants: 60,000 BDT
Fees for Overseas Applicants: SAARC Countries - 500 USD, Other Asian Countries - 1000 USD, Countries from other continents - 2000 USD

Procedure for Application Submission:
* A complete CV
* A Motivational Letter (maximum 250 words) explaining your motivation, aspirations, and reasons for joining this mentorship program
* A Portfolio of 20-50 photographs (maximum 1500 pixels, JPEG format)
* A Text Description of your work
* Compile all documents and photographs into a single PDF file, not exceeding 20 MB
* Send your completed application to [email protected]
* Registration Form: https://forms.gle/5fNUa6QuVea8jivm9

For inquiries, you can reach us at 01318672983.

21/09/2025

Open Call: ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’ by Saiful Huq Omi

Counter Foto is delighted to open applications for the ‘7th International Mentor Program on Documentary Photography’, led by Saiful Huq Omi - photographer, filmmaker, educator, human rights activist, and the founder and principal of Counter Foto.

This program will span six months of critical mentorship, drawing participants into a layered engagement with documentary photography across theoretical paradigms, psychoanalytic thought, and hands-on fieldwork. Under Saiful Huq Omi’s close guidance, participants will confront the politics of representation and narrative-building, and will transform their insights into a body of work shaped by the interplay of disciplined practice and critical thinking.

Duration of Program: 6 Months
Classes Begin: 21st October, 2025
Deadline for Application Submission: 14th October, 2025

Fees for Local Applicants: 60,000 BDT
Fees for Overseas Applicants: SAARC Countries - 500 USD, Other Asian Countries - 1000 USD, Countries from other continents - 2000 USD

Procedure for Application Submission:

* A complete CV
* A Motivational Letter (maximum 250 words) explaining your motivation, aspirations, and reasons for joining this mentorship program
* A Portfolio of 20-50 photographs (maximum 1500 pixels, JPEG format)
* A Text Description of your work
* Compile all documents and photographs into a single PDF file, not exceeding 20 MB
* Send your completed application to [email protected]
* Registration Form: https://forms.gle/5fNUa6QuVea8jivm9

For inquiries, you can reach us at 01318672983.

📌APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE IN TWO DAYS: Six Months Diploma in PhotographyDive into this six-month photography program, bri...
16/09/2025

📌APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE IN TWO DAYS: Six Months Diploma in Photography

Dive into this six-month photography program, brief in duration yet comprehensive in content. This diploma lays a firm foundation for your photographic skills, with each phase mentored by experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds who will guide you through the fusion of history, theory, technique, and artistic sensibility.

Completion of the program grants you a certificate that confirms your growth as an artist and opens doors to employment opportunities across government and private photography industries, empowering you to step confidently into the professional arena.

>Course Fee: BDT 28,000
>Program Duration: 6 months (Weekdays)
>Classes Begin: September 29, 2025

Registration form: https://forms.gle/VgP2XaMbGaGZrtYZA

Seize the opportunity and APPLY NOW!

For admission inquiries, please contact: 01318-672983

Beginning today, Dr. Syed Nizar has commenced his lecture series on ‘Decolonization’ for Counter Foto’s Two-Year Profess...
13/09/2025

Beginning today, Dr. Syed Nizar has commenced his lecture series on ‘Decolonization’ for Counter Foto’s Two-Year Professional Diploma in Photography, engaging batches 7 and 8 in a critical interrogation of colonial legacies and their ongoing impact on visual culture and photographic practice.

Dr. Syed Nizar is a academic, philosopher, and writer, presently serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Jahangirnagar University. His intellectual trajectory was first shaped at the University of Manchester, where he pursued philosophy and social sciences, followed by advanced study in Mathematical Logic and the Theory of Computation. He later received his doctorate from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, where his dissertation centered on Catuṣkoṭi, an ancient schema of Eastern logical reasoning that unsettles the binary scaffolding of Western metaphysics. Nizar’s corpus traverses the philosophy of logic, Indian and mathematical logic, the philosophy of language, and, crucially, the decolonization of knowledge. His project interrogates the epistemic residues of colonial domination within institutionalized knowledge systems and advocates for what he terms “বিউপনিবেশিত জ্ঞানকাণ্ড নির্মাণ” - the radical reconstruction of epistemologies beyond colonial capture. Among his major works are ভারতশিল্পের উপনিবেশায়ন ও সুলতানের বিউপনিবেশায়ন ভাবনা (2017), and বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় উদ্ভব, বিকাশ ও বিউপনিবেশায়ন (2018). Through such interventions, Nizar has positioned himself as a critical voice within Bangladeshi philosophical discourse, forging intersections between logic, aesthetics, and pedagogy while inscribing them in the larger struggle for epistemic emancipation.

Photographs: Najmul Haque Sagor

📌Only 2 Seats Left For Admission: Six Months Diploma in PhotographyDive into this six-month photography program, brief i...
11/09/2025

📌Only 2 Seats Left For Admission: Six Months Diploma in Photography

Dive into this six-month photography program, brief in duration yet comprehensive in content. This diploma lays a firm foundation for your photographic skills, with each phase mentored by experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds who will guide you through the fusion of history, theory, technique, and artistic sensibility.

Completion of the program grants you a certificate that confirms your growth as an artist and opens doors to employment opportunities across government and private photography industries, empowering you to step confidently into the professional arena.

>Course Fee: BDT 28,000
>Program Duration: 6 months (Weekdays)
>Classes Begin: September 29, 2025

Registration form: https://forms.gle/VgP2XaMbGaGZrtYZA

2 SEATS LEFT - seize the opportunity and APPLY NOW!

For admission inquiries, please contact: 01318-672983

This afternoon at Counter Foto welcomed Meneesha Kellay, Senior Curator, Contemporary at the Victoria and Albert Museum,...
09/09/2025

This afternoon at Counter Foto welcomed Meneesha Kellay, Senior Curator, Contemporary at the Victoria and Albert Museum, on her research visit to Bangladesh.

The air was alive with conversations, the sharing of works, shared meals, and the quiet euphoria of connection.

Photographs: Suborna Morsheada

Address

14 East Shewrapara, Mirpur
Dhaka
1216

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday 10:00 - 18:00
Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+8801318672983

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Counter Foto - A Center for Visual Arts was established on November 23, 2012. Saiful Huq Omi and Andrew Biraj co-founded it. Later Din M Shibly joined as a Head of Academics. For the last one decade or so, Bangladesh has been contributing significantly in the world of photography. Though much have been achieved already, Bangladesh needed a photography institution at Counter Foto for catering unique photographic education not only in Bangladesh but also other parts in Asia. On top of everything, we have always felt that, photography needs to be taught in a different way; it has to be indigenous having a deep social, political and cultural root in our own society, which enable the student to question themselves as well as the prevailing western notions. In that sense Counter Foto has created a niche space for the photographers since from its inception.