Dhaka witnessed a heartfelt artistic celebration on Friday, April 25, 2025, through the informal launch of two evocative books — Homeward by Obaidul Fattah Tanvir & Nabiha Wasimat Khan, and Bari Fera Mana by Obaidul Fattah Tanvir. The day-long gathering, hosted at House 33, Road 55, Gulshan-2, blended the spirit of artistic storytelling with the warmth of community, bringing together writers, poets, photographers, artists, cultural enthusiasts, diplomats, and members of the expatriate community in an intimate and vibrant setting.
This launch was also part of the 49th adda of MAP Photo Agency (MapAdda49), known for nurturing Bangladesh’s visual culture and collective artistic expression. The event opened at 11:00 AM with an official launch in the presence of the photographers and authors, followed by spontaneous sessions of reading, sharing, and exchanging ideas. Guests moved fluidly through the beautiful venue, exploring the books, engaging with the authors, and enjoying the collective reflections on the themes of return, memory, and belonging.
Homeward, a collaborative effort between Obaidul Fattah Tanvir and young poet Nabiha Wasimat Khan, interweaves poetic reflections with visual storytelling, offering readers a nuanced exploration of home and emotional landscapes. Bari Fera Mana, authored solely by Tanvir, delves into the photographer’s own meditative journey of returning — not just to place, but to moments that define identity.
Throughout the day, the gathering resonated with the sound of informal conversations, the turning of pages, and the occasional melodies of spontaneous music. Cultural commentators, visual artists, journalists, and long-time admirers of the authors mingled freely, exchanging perspectives on art, memory, and the relevance of storytelling in today’s world.
Adding to the significance of the event, the organizers pledged to donate 25% of the proceeds from book sales to support the environmental group @55 Kodomtola. This group has been quietly working to protect and nurture the green zones in Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara — a tribute to the natural beauty and community spaces that inspired many of the works on display.
Obaidul Fattah Tanvir, widely respected for his work since 1985, is a co-founder of MAP Photo Agency and author of the acclaimed Postcards from Bangladesh. His experience spans international development, education, and media. Nabiha Wasimat Khan, a 10th grader at Sunbeams School, has already made a mark with her debut poetry collection Dearest, you made It! and is active in social causes through Unity Bangladesh and the Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka.
The event was covered by various media houses and attended by a wide cross-section of Dhaka’s cultural and international community, reaffirming the unifying power of art and the enduring appeal of storytelling.