Inauguration speech by Hon'ble Foreign Minister as Chief Guest at the launching ceremony of the photography book " First Light" and its related photo exhibition organized by Glow Publishing on 17 April, 2006 at Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Distinguished Guests,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am indeed happy to be present here this afternoon, and associate myself with the inauguration of the publication of "The First Light", an anthology of the photographs of the internationally acclaimed young photographer of Bangladesh GMB Akash, and the photography exhibition.

Akash has been able to make a name for himself in the national and international scene. He has been a recipient of many international awards of recognition like "Master class" in the Netherlands, "Young Reporters Award" from Paris, "Best of Show" in America, and most recently "World Press Photo".

We have also seen that in the recent issue of the Time Magazine, which featured our Hon'ble Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as its cover story, contains photographs taken by GMB Akash. As we see, he successfully captures the images of life around him, and his photographs reflect deep and penetrating realization of the objects he photographs. Indeed, photographs can bring out the inherent harmony of life all around, and carry message all across the world without the hindrance of the language barrier. The message also can transcend all boundaries of geography and culture, of age and of time, and reflect the reality, in a manner understood by all. I appreciate that Akash has projected the life of Bangladesh, as he perceives it, and that too so lovingly. I am sure he will achieve higher laurels and greater acclaim in future.

I congratulate Laura Bonapace, co-founder of GLOW Publishing, for having the courage to innovate in an area stymied with repetition. Her design approach to the book 'First Light' tosses convention aside and journeys into new territory.

Laura's strong history of publishing traces to her extensive experience in New York, USA. She was on the staff at a most acclaimed international magazine publisher Conde Nast Publications, for both Vanity Fair and Vogue Magazines. Bringing her experience to Bangladesh, she worked closely with Dhaka's renowned Holiday Publications to help develop magazine publishing in Bangladesh. Her work with the New Age, and in particular SLATE magazine, has helped raise the standards by which publications are judged.

I appreciate the boldness and initiatives of the publisher Laura Bonapace Chaudhury, whose vision and creativity have made it possible for this publication to see the light of the day. Inspite of many hindrances and difficulties, her determined efforts today sees the fruition of her love of art.

I wish her continuing success in the challenging field of international publications, particularly in areas of her preference, which are uncommon, novel and refreshing.

Finally I thank the Bengal Foundation, its Chairman Abul Khair Litu and Executive Director, Ms. Luva Nahid Chowdhury for organizing such an occasion. Bengal Foundation has been unique in organizing such cultural events and contributing significantly to the development of the vibrant cultural life of Bangladesh.

With these words, I launch the publication 'First Light', and declare the Photographic Exhibition open.