The British Council has arranged an exhibition featuring rare photographs, artefacts and films of the movement that happened in London in 1971 to support the cause of Bangladesh during the Liberation War.

Titled ‘London 1971: The Unsung Heroes of the Bangladesh’s Liberation War’, the exhibition features more than 40 rare photos brought together by Project London 1971 initiator Ujjal Das at the British Council, Dhaka, reports UNB.

The Liberation War of Bangladesh prompted a massive uproar in the international community, especially the Bangladeshi diaspora of that time, who raised their voices in solidarity for a liberated Bangladesh.

The movement in London was among the most prominent of its kind during that time.

Curated by curator Shehzad Chowdhury, the exhibition aims to rediscover the contributions of the expatriate Bengalis in the UK during the fateful year, and explore the role that arts played in creating change.

A series of events every Friday in March will explore the representation of the conflict in London, the role of the physical British Council space in the Liberation War and responses from Bangladeshi artists.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali inaugurated the event as the chief guest on Friday.

Other renowned guests included Deputy British High Commissioner in Dhaka David Ashley, former Foreign Secretary and the first-ever Bangladeshi diplomat in Europe Mohiuddin Ahmed, Chairman of Project London 1971 Fajlul Kabir (Tuhin), Country Director of British Council Barbara Wickham, Acting Director Arts of British Council Kendall Robbins and its Head of Arts Nahin Idris.

Barbara Wickham said 1971 marked the most important year for Bangladesh and Bangladeshis worldwide. ‘In the year, people from all over the world stood up for the millions of innocent Bangladeshis who suffered gravely during the Liberation War.’

‘It gives us immense pride and honour to witness the efforts of people in London, especially the Bangladeshi expatriates, and the British Council, in support of the country’s independence during 1971,’ Barbara Wickham added.

The exhibitions and events are all open and free to the public and appropriate for families and children and will continue throughout this month.