Two books on Sayeeda Khanam, country鈥檚 first female professional photographer, were unveiled on Friday.
The books, named 鈥楢 Compilation of Sayeeda Khanam鈥檚 Writings鈥� and 鈥楨kjon Sayeeda Khanam鈥�, were formally introduced at a book launching ceremony, organised by relatives and well-wishers of the photographer, held in Dhaka鈥檚 Bishwo Shahitto Kendro.
Addressing the event, historian Muntassir Mamoon said that both books were complementary to each other and would add a new dimension to the study of photography.
Sara Fatima, a physician residing in Australia and the niece of Sayeeda Khanam, also the editor of the 鈥楢 Compilation of Sayeeda Khanam鈥檚 Writings鈥� book, said that the book incorporated a number of Sayeeda鈥檚 published writings, including those predating the 1971 independence war.
The book, published by Ebong Manush Prakashani and priced at Tk 500, comprised a collection of 18 stories, five memoirs, and nine interviews.
Photojournalist and researcher Shahadat Parvez, author of the 鈥楨kjon Sayeeda Khanam鈥� book, said that Sayeeda not only inspired women but also individuals like himself, who ventured from a village to the capital with nothing but a dream of becoming a photographer.
Published by Pathak Samabesh and priced at Tk 695, the book included 64 photographs, five letters, two sketches, six book covers, 15 paper cuttings, two documents, and a handwritten piece by Sayeeda Khanam.
Professor Matlub Ali, actress Aleya Ferdousi and photographer Pavel Rahman were also present at the event.
