Syed Mahabubul Kader
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2025 – State of the World
Curatorial Selection – Generation Z revolution in Bangladesh
What inspired you to submit your work to The State of the World competition, and how has receiving this recognition from PX3 impacted your journey as a photographer?
In 2024, a large-scale mass uprising unfolded in Bangladesh, where ordinary people took to the streets demanding democracy, justice, and fundamental rights. What began as a peaceful student protest quickly drew people from all walks of life, evolving into a massive nationwide movement. Yet, it faced brutal repression from the government, police, and violent forces, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis.
As a photographer, I felt that the world needed to witness this event. For me, photography is not merely images—it is a record of time, a silent testament to human struggle and resilience. I wanted international audiences to feel the courage, hope, and sacrifices of the people of Bangladesh. This belief inspired me to submit my work to The State of the World.
Receiving recognition from PX3 has strengthened my confidence in my work. It is not just an honor—it provides new motivation to share the human stories of my country on an international platform.
Can you take us behind the scenes of your winning series? What was the story you aimed to tell, and did any unexpected moments shape the final result?
My series, “Generation Z: Revolution in Bangladesh”, was created against the backdrop of the 2024 mass uprising. It portrays how a peaceful student protest escalated into a large-scale national movement in response to state repression and violence, and how this affected the lives, hopes, and fears of ordinary people.
Through the images, I aimed to capture the evolution of the movement—student leadership, widespread participation, the strong presence of women, and moments of fear and determination. Each frame reflects the social and human reality of the time.
Ensuring my own safety during shooting was extremely challenging, as danger could arise from any direction. People were even killed by sniper fire or from shots fired from helicopters. Journalists were in the most vulnerable position, unsafe from both the authorities and protesters.
Through this series, I want viewers to not just see the protest itself, but to experience the courage, struggle, and an important chapter of human history.
Photojournalism often demands vulnerability – from both subject and photographer. How do you approach capturing truth while maintaining empathy and respect?
I believe a photographer’s responsibility extends beyond simply taking pictures—it is to respect the dignity of the people they photograph. For me, the stories of subjects are not just news; they are their lives. I never force a moment, but take time to build trust, communicate, and understand how they wish to be represented. Balancing truth with empathy and respect is the foundation of my work.
What motivates you to continue capturing the world through your lens, and where do you hope to take your work in the future?
I am motivated by people’s real lives, their struggles, courage, and untold stories. I believe photography has the power to open people’s eyes, raise awareness against injustice, and inspire action in favor of humanity.
As a photographer, my goal is to bear witness to the present moment, so that future generations understand the realities we have lived through. In the future, I hope my work reaches a broader international audience, where the stories of Bangladesh can be seen and understood in a human context. I aim to create images that go beyond information—they convey emotion, empathy, and the language of change.
How do you find balance between aesthetic vision and factual storytelling?
For me, the aesthetic quality of photography does not mean making the truth look beautiful—it is about presenting it in a way that evokes emotion. I use light, framing, and composition to deepen the story, but I never distort reality. Every image conveys information while also stirring feeling—this balance is the essence of my work.