Journalists in the sub-continent are subjected to various abuses in order to force them into following and kowtowing the government line. In Indian occupied Kashmir, a young Photo-journalist by the name of Kamran Yusuf was arrested and tortured in January of this year for taking the pictures of youth pelting stones at the Indian forces. He was charged for" not taking pictures of bridges and office buildings ", but of Indian forces firing pellets at the Kashmiri youth "!
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I have had the honor of working with Shahidul Alam. He is a great photojournalist and an even better person. Aside from his important documentary work, he established a school for South Asian photographers and Asia’s foremost photography festival. Shahidul speaks his mind truthfully and fearlessly, and this time it cost him his freedom. President Hamid, the world is watching. Free Shahidul.
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@David Elliot Cohen, Glad to hear your word abt Shahidul Bhai, I wold like to share an important thing is President Hamid is nobody in Bangladesh, all things are going under our beloved prime minister Sheikh Hasina, she can do anything as she is doing everything.
Free Shahidul
Truth and truthfulness has to overcome many obstacles. But the truth is the victory, truthfulness is the victory. Will be e Pay tribute to Shahidul Alam Sir .We want to see Sir free..
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Inspiring. Here's to Shahidul Alam and decent, courageous people around world.
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I was familiar with Shaidul Alam’s photography. But when he was arrested I was not surprised as it new norm now. Political lenders of third world countries do that all the time to keep in power forever. Current prime minister “Sheikh Hasina” is in power for 3 terms (1996-2001, 2009-2014, 2014-2018 total 14 years) and preparing to sworn in for another 5 years term in coming January. Be prepared to see more arrests of journalists and opposition leaders.
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As every photographer knows, the narrative power, the "whose story is it?" authority belongs to the person who holds the camera. You cannot tell another person's story. You can tell the best and truest rendition of their story, but you are the author and witness. This may be debatable for people who have the time and the interest, but for the rest of us it is an immutable fact of life.
Those who can, do. Much of the time, this turns out to be a good thing.
He is a man with integrity, morality, and grassroot values. How come he was being arrested by the government and remained in custody for more than 100 days is inconceivable. Tomorrow is his bail petition and I hope that the government would not "block the sun."
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I first met Shahidul in 1988 and we discovered a common love for the wooden boats of Bangladesh. As we worked to develop a project (which unfortunately never materialized), I discovered a man of deep passions, for commitment to the wonders of Bangladesh, and a determination to make a difference. Over the years that passion has not waned and he makes the world a better place for it.
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Stunning work and great article. In our current situation in the US, it's good to recall good people exist.
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The picture of those young Bangladeshi photographers is so inspiring. Young people can be incredibly brave. I hope for Mr. Alam’s release and for the safety of all of his supporters who keep a light shining.
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Inspiring man. I love the quote that opens the article.
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Not everybody at the Dhaka Lit Fest made any statement in support of Shahidul Alam. But a good number did. I was invited to give the closing statement and called for Alam's release. Several other speakers did the same in the course of the festival. It is quite false to suggest that Dhaka's literary society does not care about Alam, or is entirely unwilling to speak out about it. It would not have been hard to discover this fact.
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