Shahidul Alam

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Covers

Records

Shahidul Alam's accolades reflect a career dedicated to using photography as a force for change. He was the first Asian to chair World Press Photo's International Jury, a milestone for Asian representation. His institutions have trained hundreds of photographers from the Global South. His recognition as a Time Person of the Year in 2018 brought international attention to press freedom in Bangladesh. His awards, from the Shilpakala Padak to the Ekushey Padak, honor both his artistic and humanitarian contributions.

AwardsShahidul Alam has received numerous awards for his contributions to photography and human rights. These include the Shilpakala Padak (2014), the Lucie Awards Humanitarian Award (2018), recognition as a Time Person of the Year (2018), the CASE Humanitarian of the Year (2021), and the Ekushey Padak (2025). His awards reflect both his artistic excellence and his commitment to social justice.

Honours & Distinctions

Honorary Fellowship, Royal Photographic Society

Royal Photographic Society

Prestigious international honor

National Geographic Explorer at Large

National Geographic Society

Distinguished position recognizing contributions to visual storytelling

Advisory Board Member, National Geographic Society

National Geographic Society

Serves on advisory board

Magazine Covers

Time

2018

Person of the Year

Harvard Design Magazine

Shahidul Alam on the Majority World

CNN Photos

April 2019

This photographer spent 107 days in jail. But he won't be silenced

Records & Feats

First Asian to chair World Press Photo's International Jury

Career Milestone

Alam was the first Asian to serve as chair of the World Press Photo International Jury.

Introduced email to Bangladesh

Historic First·1990

Drik Picture Library, founded by Alam, served as one of Bangladesh's first internet service providers, introducing email to the country.