Sayeeda Khanam was a pioneering Bangladeshi photographer who broke barriers in a male-dominated industry. Born on December 29, 1937, in Pabna District, she became the first female professional photographer in Bangladesh.
Khanam developed an interest in photography at a young age when her sister gifted her a Rolleicord camera. Despite lacking formal training, she taught herself by studying foreign photography magazines and collaborating with the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray on three of his films.
Her photography career spanned over four decades, during which she documented significant events, including the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Khanam’s work has been exhibited internationally, and she received several awards, including the prestigious Ekushey Padak.
In addition to being a talented photographer, Khanam was a strong advocate for women’s rights. She worked as a librarian at the University of Dhaka and volunteered as a nurse during the war. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of photographers and women in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 