Silver / 2020 / Press / General News

• Prize
  Silver in Press/General News
• Photographer
  Syed Mahabubul Kader, Bangladesh
• Studio
  Zuma press
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/syedmahabubulkader/

This photo shows people surrounding the remains of a car previously engulfed in flames in old Dhaka, Bangladesh. This fire accident occurred in a highly congested area and killed 71 people. In the last ten years, over 16,000 fire incidents have occurred in Bangladesh, killing an estimated 1,590 people. The fires are frequently attributed to illegal storage of chemicals in unregulated warehouses in Old Dhaka. This highly congested part of the city – with a population density of approximately 21000 people per square kilometre – is home to nearly 15,000 chemical warehouses.

Syed Mahabubul Kader is an independent photojournalist in Bangladesh with a 12-year career documenting political issues, social issues and cultural events. As a contributing photographer at Zuma Press, his work has been featured in major publications worldwide, including National Geographic, Geo Magazine, The Mail, The Times, The Courier, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, La Vie Magazine and many others. His award-winning images have been exhibited globally, showcasing his dedication to capturing the essence of human experience.

Awards I have received 48 national and international photography awards to date, including:

(1) Sony World Photography Awards – Winner (2025)

(2) Open Call Hidden Beauty Award – Lucie Foundation (2025)

(3) WISDEN–MCC Cricket Photo of the Year – Winner (2018, 2021, 2023)

(4) HIPA Instagram Award – Winner (2 times)

(5) Allard Prize Photography Competition – (2019)