The two-day event was organised by the JUST Photographic Society with participation from students of universities and colleges nationwide, along with independent freelance photographers.

The exhibition officially opened on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, at 5:00 PM in the university’s Koritola area, where selected photographs were displayed in an open and engaging setting. The programme concluded the following day, Wednesday, 7 January, with a special workshop on photographic composition and an award-giving ceremony held at the Professor Mohammad Sharif Hossain Gallery of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Academic Building. The Vice-Chancellor of JUST, Professor Dr Md Abdul Majid, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest.

This year’s competition received an overwhelming response from across Bangladesh. A total of 6,412 single photographs and 82 photo stories were submitted under two categories. After careful evaluation by an experienced jury panel, more than a hundred single photographs and five photo stories were selected for exhibition. Winners in the single photography category received prize money totalling BDT 22,000, while the photo story category awarded BDT 11,000 to two participants.

The judging panel included documentary photographer and filmmaker Mohammad Rakibul Hasan, photojournalist Shubhra Kanti Das, and wildlife photographer Kudrat-e-Khoda. Mohammad Rakibul Hasan also conducted the special workshop, sharing practical insights on composition and visual storytelling with aspiring photographers.

Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Majid highlighted the power of images, noting that a single photograph can often create a strong social impact. He encouraged students to engage with at least one campus club, emphasising that such involvement helps build leadership skills and supports personal and professional growth. He also shared plans to introduce photography contests and category-based research poster presentations during future university celebrations.

Reflecting on the journey of “Aranyak 2.0,” Rakib Hasan Sihab, President of the JUST Photographic Society, expressed his satisfaction with the event. He shared that the core goal was to bring photography enthusiasts from different universities onto one platform and ensure proper recognition for JUST photographers. According to him, the event successfully offered participants a clear idea of how a national-level photography competition is organised.

The programme was attended by Dr Md Rafiul Hasan, Director of the Student Counselling and Guidance Office, along with faculty members, students, and photography lovers from different parts of the country making “Aranyak 2.0” not just a competition, but a shared celebration of visual expression.