The Cost of Coexistence
2023 – Ongoing
A documentary exploration of everyday life and resilience across urban Bangladesh.
More information →Biography
Mahbubul Alam is a photographer born in Bangladesh, currently based in Dhaka. His work focuses on social documentation, human stories, and the intersection of landscape and identity across South Asia.
After studying visual arts, Mahbubul dedicated himself to long-form documentary photography. His projects have been exhibited internationally and published in major publications. His commitment to storytelling through images has earned him recognition from leading institutions in photojournalism and documentary photography.
Mahbubul's practice is rooted in his belief that photography has the power to create empathy and drive meaningful dialogue about pressing social issues. He continues to work on both personal projects and commissioned assignments worldwide.
Series
The River People
2021 – 2022
Portraits and landscapes documenting communities living along the rivers of the delta region.
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Garment Workers
2020 – 2021
An intimate look at the lives of workers in Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry.
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Monsoon Season
2019 – 2020
Documenting the transformative annual floods and the communities they reshape each year.
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New Beginnings
2018
Stories of migration, displacement, and the search for opportunity beyond borders.
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Children of the City
2017
A study of childhood and play in the rapidly expanding streets of Dhaka.
More information →Interviews
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March 2024
Interview with World Press Photo
Mahbubul discusses his approach to documentary photography and the importance of community trust in long-term projects.
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November 2023
Leica Photography Magazine
A conversation on visual storytelling, equipment philosophy, and working in challenging environments.
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June 2022
International Labour Organization Feature
Mahbubul speaks about his series documenting garment workers and the power of photography as advocacy.
Exhibitions
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2024
The River People — Solo Exhibition
Dhaka Art Summit, Dhaka, Bangladesh
February – March 2024 -
2023
Monsoon Season — Group Exhibition
Chobi Mela International Photography Festival, Dhaka
January – February 2023 -
2022
Garment Workers — Group Exhibition
Visa pour l'Image, Perpignan, France
August – September 2022
Awards
World Press Photo
2024
Honorable mention, Stories category
Chobi Mela Award
2023
Best Documentary Series
Getty Images Editorial Grant
2022
Documentary photography grant
NPPA Award
2021
National Press Photographers Association recognition
Documentary Photography Foundation Grant
2020
Grant for long-term documentary project