Homage to Bangladesh: A Memoir of a Time and a Place

Rupert Grey is a photographer who has been traveling to Bangladesh for 30 years, inspired by the Chobi Mela festival and its founder, Shahidul Alam. His photographs capture the cultural vitality and energy of the country that Henry Kissinger missed, and have been exhibited in several countries. Grey has also represented national papers, politicians, bankers, celebrities, and explorers, and serves on the board of front-line charities in the arts, education, photography, and marine exploration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Bangladesh has faced a significant challenge in attracting tourists since its inception in 1971. Renowned diplomat Henry Kissinger famously referred to it as a "basketcase," highlighting the country's struggles with poverty and humanitarian disasters. However, the situation began to change when Rupert Grey arrived in Dhaka in 1992. Grey, originally from London, had a unique background as a lawyer and photographer. His journey began with a passion for photography, and over the course of 30 years, he developed a deep affection for Bangladesh.

One of the pivotal moments that sparked Grey's interest in Bangladesh was the Chobi Mela, a festival of photography founded by acclaimed photographer Shahidul Alam. Alam's work not only showcased the beauty of Bangladesh but also highlighted the country's social and cultural issues. His dedication to human rights and social justice resonated with Grey, and he became a supporter of his work.

In 2018, Alam was recognized as Time magazine's Person of the Year, further elevating his profile and bringing attention to Bangladesh's potential as a tourist destination. Inspired by Alam's vision, Grey embarked on an epic transcontinental journey through India to attend the Chobi Mela in a vintage Rolls-Royce. This journey was later captured in the award-winning film "Romantic Road," directed by Sharon Stone.

Grey's photographs, primarily taken on film, capture the cultural vitality and energy that Kissinger had overlooked. His work pays homage to Bangladesh and showcases its rich heritage and diverse landscapes. Through his lens, Grey has documented the lives of the people, their traditions, and their struggles, providing a unique perspective on a country often overlooked by mainstream media.

In addition to his photography, Grey has also worked as a libel and copyright lawyer, representing national papers, politicians, bankers, celebrities, and explorers. He serves on the board of several charities focused on arts, education, photography, and marine exploration. Grey's adventurous spirit has led him to travel to remote and wild places around the world, using various means of transportation, including foot, horseback, dug-out canoe, dog sledge, camel, elephant, bush plane, and Land Rover. His photographs have been exhibited in several countries, including Bangladesh, and his articles have been widely published.

Grey currently lives with his wife, Jan, in a remote thatched cottage in Sussex, England, surrounded by their three daughters. His journey from a London lawyer to a photographer and advocate for Bangladesh has been a remarkable one, and his work continues to inspire and promote the country's potential as a tourist destination.

Dimension: 280 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911397397