Shahidul Alam conferred 'Photo Kathmandu Award'

Internationally-acclaimed Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam has been conferred “Photo Kathmandu Award of Excellence for 2018”, says a press release.

Alam -- who is currently in jail in a case filed under the controversial section 57 of ICT Act -- was honoured for his instrumental contributions towards the development of Nepalese photography and journalism.

READ MORE: Justice for Shahidul Alam

Photo Kathmandu is a biennial international photography festival presenting exhibitions, workshops, artist residency and a diverse range of programming to Kathmandu audiences and international visitors.

“Dr Alam represents the highest values of truth, justice and social equality. For over two decades; individuals and institutions in the Nepali photography and journalism fraternity have had the privilege of working with him and learning from him,” said the press release.

Shahidul, 63, was picked up by law enforcers from his Dhanmondi flat on August 5. Police charged him with “spreading propaganda against the government”, following a Facebook live video and an interview to international news channel Al-Jazeera where he criticised the government.