Homage to Bangladesh with Rupert Grey
Episode 102 is our Bangladesh Podcast where we are joined by author, photographer, and attorney Rupert Grey, discussing his latest book, Homage to Bangladesh.
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Our podcast guest – Rupert Grey
Rupert Grey has represented national papers, politicians, bankers, celebrities, and explorers as a libel and copyright lawyer. He serves on the board of several front-line charities in the arts, education, photography, and marine exploration.
Armed with his Nikon FM2s, he has traveled on foot and horseback by dug-out canoe, dog sled, camel, elephant, bush plane, land-rover, and vintage Rolls Royce to the earth’s wild places.
His photographs have been exhibited in several countries, including Bangladesh, and his articles have been widely published.
Rupert is the author of the book Homage to Bangladesh – A Memoir of Time and Place.
Introduction to Bangladesh
Our original personal introduction to Bangladesh happened decades ago as we listened to the Concert for Bangladesh record by George Harrison and Friends. We are thankful to Rupert Grey for this discussion which broadens our awareness of this still relatively new country.
Bangladesh is a small, densely populated country in the South Asian region. India borders it to the west, north, and east, and Burma to the southeast. Bangladesh has an impressive coastline of 580km along the Bay of Bengal, and its delta rivers are home to some of the world’s most fertile soil. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Bangladesh is known for its vibrant culture and diverse population.
From the tigers of Sundarbans Forest to the bustling capital city Dhaka, Bangladesh offers a unique combination of natural and architectural wonders, making it an incredible destination. With a rich history, stunning landscapes, and friendly people, Bangladesh is a country with surprises!
Bangladesh is an up-and-coming economy that has seen impressive growth in recent years, with a 6.7% GDP growth rate in 2020. The country’s primary industries are agriculture, textiles, jute manufacturing, and shipbuilding. It is also home to a thriving IT sector and has become a regional mobile banking and e-commerce leader. Bangladesh is developing quickly, with it comes a range of investment opportunities. From its booming tech industry to its picturesque tourist destinations, Bangladesh is an exciting place to visit and explore!
Bangladesh – The Basketcase Characterization Dismantled
Bangladesh, at one point, was characterized by Henry Kissinger as a “basketcase” Rupert Grey provides an alternate viewpoint by peeling back the onionskin on this relatively young nation. His reflections span the photographs taken by his Nikon FM2 cameras, personal experiences, and interactions with Shahidul Alam, an acclaimed photographer and human rights activist. Personal experiences with encounters of the Bangladeshi people and human rights activists helped Rupert develop a narrative that dismantles the political basketcase viewpoint.
Discussion points on this Bangladesh podcast
- Reflections on Rupert Grey’s first visit to Bangladesh
- Challenges of being a visitor in Bangladesh
- How Bangladesh impacted Rupert Grey’s worldview
- The impact of Bangladesh on his children
- How the power of photography has influenced culture and change in Bangladesh
- Challenges faced by photographers seeking to uncover truths through their lenses
- Common misconceptions about Bangladesh
- Cuisine experiences in Bangladesh
- Tourist tips for visiting Bangladesh
- Reflections on the power of photography
- Rupert Grey’s choice of cameras and lenses
- Analog vs. digital photography
Listen to our Homage to Bangladesh Podcast
Purchase Homage to Bangladesh
The book Homage to Bangladesh provides a compelling pictorial testament to Rupert Grey’s epic visit to the nation. His journey, including travel through India to Chobi Mela in a vintage Rolls-Royce, was also portrayed in the Sharon Stone produced film titled Romantic Road.
Purchase Homage to Bangladesh by Rupert Grey on Amazon USA
Purchase Homage to Bangladesh by Rupert Grey on Amazon UK
Purchase Homage to Bangladesh by Rupert Grey on Unicorn
Thanks for stopping by at this podcast information. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
#bangladesh
