Sayeeda Khanam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sayeeda Khanam
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| সাইদা খানম | |
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Khanom in 2015
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| Born | 29 December 1937 Pabna, Bengal Presidency, British India
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| Died | 18 August 2020 (aged 82) Dhaka, Bangladesh
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| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Alma mater | University of Dhaka |
| Occupation | Photographer |
| Awards | Ekushey Padak |
Sayeeda Khanam (born December 29, 1937 – died August 18, 2020) was a very important person in Bangladesh. She was the first woman in Bangladesh to become a professional photographer. She used her camera to capture many key moments of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Growing Up in Pabna
Sayeeda Khanam was born in Pabna District. This area was part of the Bengal Presidency back then, which is now Bangladesh. She was the youngest of seven children, with two older brothers and four older sisters.
How She Started Photography
Sayeeda became interested in photography when she was very young. Her sister bought her a special camera called a Rolleicord. Sayeeda never went to a special school to learn photography. Instead, she learned by herself. She studied foreign photography magazines. The owner of Jaidi's studio in Dhaka gave her these magazines.
Her University Studies
Later, Sayeeda Khanam went to the University of Dhaka. She earned two master's degrees there. She studied Bengali literature and library science.
Her Amazing Career
Starting as a Photographer
In 1956, Sayeeda Khanam began her career as a photographer. She worked for Begum magazine. This was the only newspaper at that time made just for women. Her photos were printed in many national newspapers. She also took pictures at important meetings and events, both in Bangladesh and other countries.
Working with Famous People
Sayeeda Khanam worked with the famous filmmaker Satyajit Ray. She took photos for three of his movies. She also took portraits of many other well-known people. These included Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. She also photographed Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Other Important Roles
From 1974 to 1986, Sayeeda Khanam worked as a librarian. She was in the Bengali Literature department at the University of Dhaka. After the war, she also volunteered as a nurse. She helped people at Holy Family Hospital for a short time.
Exhibitions and Awards
Showing Her Work
Sayeeda Khanam had her first international photo show in 1956. This was at the International Photo and Cinema Exhibition in Cologne. In the same year, her photos were shown in Dhaka. Later, her work was part of competitions in Japan, France, Sweden, Pakistan, and Cyprus. She also had special shows in Dhaka. These shows featured her photos of Mother Teresa, singer Konika Bandopadhaya, and Satyajit Ray.
Awards and Honors
In 1960, Sayeeda Khanam won an award in the All Pakistan Photo Contest. Later, in 1985, she received a special UNESCO Award for her photography. She earned many other awards from groups in Bangladesh and around the world. She was also a lifetime member of two important organizations: Bangladesh Mahila Samiti and Bangla Academy.
