News
February 2020
Md. Rafayat Haque Khan, Majority World’s latest addition
Meet Majority World’s new Photographer, Md. Rafayat Haque Khan, from Bangladesh. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science with Honors’ in Botany, he has received several National and International awards and recognitions in photography. Rafayat likes to explore human relationships, daily life; and interconnection of different cultures in his photography.
For images from Md. Rafayat Haque Khan visit our images page.
November 2019
Shahidul Alam (Chairman, Majority World) with Hari Kunzru in conjunction with the Artist's exhibition 'Truth to Power'.
The Truth to Power exhibition opens to the public on Friday at the Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011.
For more details go to the Rubin Museum of Art.
October 2019
Shahidul Alam featured in New York, San Francisco and London
Shahidul Alam, Chairman Majority World will be featured at several events coming up in November 2019.
You can meet Shahidul at a string of events in New York, San Francisco and London. Also don't forget to pick up a copy of Shahidul's Book to be launched soon.
For the full schedule of events go to Shahidul News.
October 2019
Interview with Shahidul Alam on New Internationalist
Subi Shah speaks to Shahidul Alam, Chairman Majority World and internationally renowned Bangladeshi photojournalist.
For the full story visit New Internationalist.
September 2019
Amir Khusrau, a Sufi poet of the 13th Century, in the description of Kashmir, is believed to have said “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.”
These many hundreds of years later, we, as a nation, continue to hold on to the notion of Kashmir as paradise. Some of us do so because we are swept away by its boundless beauty— it is an overwhelming, uncontained enchantment.
For the full story and images visit our click Here.
September 2019
Dam breach: struggle for life continues
Tiware Dam fulfilled the water requirement for people and farms at Tiware village for the last 14 years. Maintenance work of the dam was ignored and there were major leakages, which was informed often by people to the concerned Irrigation Department but to no avail. Some low-quality repair work was done after almost one and a half years since the last complaint, which also turned out to be useless.
For the full story and images visit our click Here.
February 2019
2019 PHOTOGRAPHY GRANT - APPLY NOW
The PHmuseum Photography Grant is an annual initiative that recognises the importance of photography and visual storytelling. Over the years it has grown into a leading photography prize, with previous editions having awarded work by photographers like Poulomi Basu, Salvatore Vitale, Jacob Aue Sobol, Diana Markosian, and Tomas van Houtryve, among many others.
Now in its seventh edition, the initiative is designed to support the production and promotion of visual projects through cash prizes, educational activities and exposure across international festivals, and online media.
Applying is very easy, just follow these guided steps given at PHmuseum.
December 2018
Besides striving to propagate Islam in a questionable bloody manner, another thrust of the philosophy of Boko Haram is condemnation of Western education. Many students, for embracing Western education, were slaughtered and several others abducted by members of Boko Haram, in the northeastern part of Nigeria. Over a million school children and their family members were displaced within and outside Nigeria due to insurgency.
For the full story and images visit our feature stories page.
December 2018
Time - Person of the Year 2018
Majority World Chairman, Shahidul Alam has been chosen as ‘Person of the Year’ by Time Magazine. Shahisul is among the guardians of the truth, which include Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and the Capital Gazette of Annapolis, Md.
To learn more about the person of the year visit Time Magazine.
December 2018
The Human Rights Defenders World Summit 2018
The Human Rights Defenders World Summit 2018 celebrated the achievements of the last 20 years recently in Paris, France. The main goal of the Summit was, 20 years from now, in 2038, a new generation of HRDs will look back and see this event as marking the transition to a new paradigm to approaching the security and protection of HRDs.
Photographs from Majority World Photographers Abhijeet Ghosh and Panvi Shah, courtesy The Fund for Global Human Rights were hung outside the Espace Niemeyer, on the fences that line the property and two streets.
December 2018
There was a sombre atmosphere at Centenary Enterprises the day I visited. As Kabwe town’s best known wholesaler and retailer sells the last stock of washing powder and sugar. There are no long lines of people queuing up, and the shop is eerily empty and quiet. Where all the different products used to be displayed with handwritten price tags, there are only a few last items standing. Lines are visible on the walls from where shelves have stood for decades, now removed to make space for renovations.
Here is more on the story and images by Elina Eriksson.
December 2018
Wellcome Photography Prize 2019
We invite photographers and other image makers from all disciplines to enter the Wellcome Photography Prize, which celebrates compelling imagery that captures stories of health, medicine and science.The competition is free to enter and you can submit as many images as you like, but you can't enter the same image in more than one category. Each entry will be judged individually and should work as a standalone image.
For more details visit Welcome.
November 2018
Portrait of Viking warriors at Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning), Oslo, Norway, Scandinavia. The fortress was originally constructed in the 13th century, this fort contains 2 military museums & hosts events. Photo Credits: Suchit Nanda/ Majority World.
To check out more images from Scandinavia, click Here.
November 2018
Kheyal - Single channel Film by Munem Wasif
Munem Wasif’s single channel Film “Kheyal” featured at The 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT9), opens today at Gagoma, Brisbane, Australia.
The triennial will take place from 24 November, 2018 till 28 April, 2019.
For more details visit Gagoma.
November 2018
Some fantastic images from Shahidul Alam over the years. A glimpse of what Shahidul has offered to the photography world.
Read more about the work of Shahidul Here.
November 2018
Everybody Knows - a photo essay in and on Bangladesh
Drik Gallery cordially invites you to “Everybody Knows”, a photo essay in and on Bangladesh, by Sibylle Hofter from Germany with ‘Agentur Schwimmer’ project and ‘Anukta’.
The exhibition will be inaugurated on Friday, 16 November 2018 at 5 pm, at Drik Gallery, Dhanmondi. A gallery-walk followed by an open discussion with the artist is also arranged on closing day, Wednesday, 21 November 2018 at 5pm.
The exhibition portrays the inner workings of the society and visual descriptions of the people and their personalities, who maintain or make it move (or stagnate); no matter how influential, powerless or effective they might be. It will lead you into an overdose of context, selected from about 100 series of photographs taken to find out as much as possible about them. The exhibition will be open for all till 21 November 2018, every day from 3 pm to 8 pm.
November 2018
Tribute video for 2018 Lucie Awards Honoree Shahidul Alam
For anybody who cares about justice, for anybody who cares about what is happening in this world, Shahidul's actions and his words are going to be of increasing importance...because it is just not about Shahidul Alam, it is about journalism and freedom of speech and freedom of expression and freedom of information around the world".
Tribute video for 2018 Lucie Awards Honoree Shahidul Alam for the Humanitarian Award. Presented at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Sunday October 28th 2018. Presented and Received by Gayatri Spivak.
You can watch the Video Here.
November 2018
Vote for Majority World Photographer Olivia Acland
Olivia Acland who has been involved with Majority World in the past, is short listed for the 'British Photography Awards'. The inaugural British Photography awards are being held at London's Savoy Hotel on the 28th of January 2019.
Please spare a moment, and cast your vote for Olivia Here.
We thank you for your support.October 2018
Grassroots activism through social movements offers the best hope for meaningful change in the fight for equality and dignity, and donors need to build trust and create approaches that support this mobilization.
The photography for this article was by Panvi Shah/ Majority World. For The fund for Global Human Rights.
Read the full story Here.
October 2018
Shahidul Alam was awarded the 2018 honoree: humanitarian award.
Majority World is honored and proud of our Chairman and founder. It is a great achievement. We thank the Lucie Foundation for recognizing and honoring Shahidul Alam.
For more details visit Lucie Awards.
October 2018
Legal identity in Western Nepal
Open Society Foundations produced a pop-up exhibition to compliment a satellite event during the recent United Nations General Assembly meeting in NY. The event marked the tenth anniversary of the report of the Commission on the Legal Empowerment of the Poor and serves to call for renewed action on access to justice under the UN sustainable development goals.
Majority World was commissioned by Open Society Foundations to document the issue of legal identity in Western Nepal. The Photography assignment was done by Kishor Sharma for Majority World, who captured some stunning images.
An estimated 5.4 million people in Nepal, or around a quarter of the population aged 16 years and above, lack citizenship documentation. Most live in extreme poverty; many are members of Nepal’s Dalit community, traditionally the lowest rung of the Hindu caste system. In remote areas of Western Nepal, villagers without legal identity documents may be unable to send their Children to school. They cannot claim benefits such as government funding for schools, or social security support. Many communities are unaware that such assistance is even available.
October 2018
The story of Sana Shree in India
Indian Activists Celebrate Historic Supreme Court Ruling on Sexual Rights. How Sana Shree became a trans rights trailblazer in India.
This is one of many Photography Assignments conducted by Majority World for 'The Fund for Global Human Rights',
Read the full story Here.
October 2018
Assignment in India for 'The Fund for Global Human Rights',
Justice for Women, By Women: How Women-run Courts Are Changing the Game in India.
This is one of many Photography Assignments conducted by Majority World for 'The Fund for Global Human Rights',
Read the full story Here.
September 2018
With the advent of the internet and digital photography it should be easier than ever for photographers from the Majority World to present their own reality in the global media. But old prejudices die hard. *Shahidul Alam* explains why and tells an inspiring tale of resistance and success.
Read the full story Here.
September 2018
Exhibition to Free Dr. Shahidul Alam at Museu Berardo, Lisbon.
Museum Berardo is one of the most important collections and cultural institutions in Lisbon, Portugal. They held a #FreeShahidul show led by Marcelo Brodsky. Marcelo trained at the International Center of Photography, Barcelona. He is a member of the Buena Memoria human rights organization and the Pro-Monument to the Victims of Terrorism Commission.
August 2018
Shahidul Alam : A voice from the shadows
This anthological exhibition covers the work of Shahidul Alam, one of the most renowned photographers in the world. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the last 30 years he has developed a broad work both in education and in the promotion of an ethical and committed attitude with regards to the problems that affect societies in invisible areas of the world.
The exhibition is part of a larger initiative of ATA to disseminate the work of Shahidul Alam in Peru and Latin America and a way to protest for the violation of his rights as an individual evincing the limit the freedom of speech that exists in Bangladesh. A short version of the exhibition is touring around Peru in events such as "National Convention of Visual Arts" (Trujillo) and "Disobedience – memory’s cultural agitation in two acts" (El Galpón, Lima).
For more news on the Exhibition visit ata.org.pe.
August 2018
Chobi Mela X will be launched on February, 2019. The theme of this edition is place. Artists and Curators are invited to submit work of photography, video, sound, installations, and are encouraged to explore the boundaries of their medium. Apart from solo exhibitions, collective/curated works are also encouraged. The festival will feature exhibitions in print and digital form. Take a look at the 7th version of Chobi Mela Here.
August 2018
Insider, Outsider Photography that challenges perceptions of the developing world
Majority World works with talented photographers from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. We specialise in sourcing high quality images from these diverse continents, which provide unique insights into local cultures, environments and development issues. We also work with client organisations to commission assignments for our photographers, who have the advantage of being able to understand and access the language, lifestyle, and locality - because it is their own. Take a look at a video on the Insider, Outsider Photography exhibition Here.
August 2018
Pathshala South Asian Media Institute
Pathshala is the early school of Photography in South Asia region, which offers various short-term and long-term educational programs including workshops and presentations in photography and multimedia journalism throughout the year. Pathshala started in 1998. Since then, the institution has slowly grown to become a fully-fledged photo resource centre based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Here is a film on Pathshala, South Asian Institute of Photography, by Brian Palmer. Commissioned by Pulitzer Foundation.
April 2018
Legend of the Loom documentary
Legend of the Loom is an insightful and educational documentary film about the cotton fabric muslin and its 2000 year history. In a complex and wide ranging study the film recounts the production of the transparent and light cotton fabric which was woven from a unique plant, the Gossypium Arboreum Var.Neglecta, which grew only along the rivers of Bengal. The film goes on to discuss its wide ranging history with different experts and educates on how colonialism impacted the craft and had a part in its demise. Read the Documentary film review on www.ukfilmreview.co.uk.
April 2018
It was a grand opening. The ‘Who’s Who’ of development in Britain was there, championing the noble cause – the Millennium Development Goals, making poverty history. The Bob Geldof circus could perhaps be pardoned. Geldof is neither a development worker nor someone particularly knowledgeable about the subject. But for the organizers of the ‘bash’ at the OXO Tower on London’s South Bank to produce such a culturally insensitive event was revealing. Read the full story Here.
April 2018
Policy & Practice; A Development Education Review
This issue of Policy and Practice is dedicated to the memory of our sorely missed colleague and friend, Barbara Gill, who died tragically in April 2007. Barbara brought boundless energy, passion, immense skill and enthusiasm to all aspects of her work in education. We fondly remember her ardent support for Policy and Practice to which she was one of the first to subscribe and endorse through her work. Barbara is a great loss to the development education sector and will be remembered by colleagues for her ever-willing support, friendship and collaboration. Read the full story Here.
April 2018
Majority World: Challenging the West's Rhetoric of Democracy
Shahidul Alam (2008) Majority World: Challenging the West's Rhetoric of Democracy. Amerasia Journal: 2008, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 87-98. For more information visit Amerasia Journal.
January 2018
Calling for entries of the PHM 2018 Grant, with an international jury comprised of Roger Ballen, Emilia Van Lynden, Genevieve Fussell, and Monica Allende and £15,000 in cash prizes + a solo show at Cortona OTM. For more information visit PHmuseum.
November 2017
The Rohingya people are poor and persecuted, though they have lived in Myanmar for hundreds of years, most have been deprived of citizenship rights or even a legitimate identity. Read the full story at Shahidul News.
For the latest and the most current images from the Rohingya violence and refugees contact us on sales@majorityworld.com
August 2017
Seeking Action — Not Just Talk — About Diversity in Photojournalism
A new collective formed, promoting "indigenous" photographers and other under-represented groups, to address diversity issues head-on, to "decolonise" the photojournalism industry. "Reclaim is an alliance of The Everyday Projects, Native, Majority World, Women Photograph, and Minority Report: five organizations committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented photographers and decolonizing the photojournalism industry.
August 2017
Proud to announce the launch of Reclaim Photo — an alliance of Women Photograph, Native Agency, The Everyday Projects, Majority World Photo Agency, and Minority Report, and a group of organizations committed to diversifying and decolonizing the photojournalism industry.
June 2017
Amazing Opportunity! Pathshala is offering a remarkable opportunity for the students to enroll in One Year Photography Program [2 Semesters] where the classes will be held during the Evening & Weekend session. We welcome everyone to submit your portfolios’ for the upcoming session [July to December 2017]. For more information visit Pathshala Institute.
June 2017
Shahidul Alam’s new show combats Islamophobia, extremism
For celebrated Bangladeshi photographer, writer and curator Shahidul Alam, a just world is a plural space where many thoughts can coexist. "If you’re not making certain people uncomfortable by your presence, you are probably doing something wrong.” Bangladesh’s best-known photographer, writer and curator Shahidul Alam, 61, has lived by that adage, which, by and large, sums up why he does what he does. Read more of the interview with Shahidul Alam on thepunchmagazine.com.
February 2017
APPLICATION PROCESS NOW OPEN FOR NEW ICP SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
The International Center of Photography announced the launch of the application process for The Malú Alvarez International Scholarship and the Mary Ellen Mark Memorial Scholarship—two newly established scholarships that will be available in 2017 for students applying to One-Year Certificate programs at the ICP School. Those interested may now apply through ICP’s online application platform, www.icp.slideroom.com
January 2017
Majority World in partnership with Autograph Media
Majority World is delighted to announce the partnership with Autograph Media who will have Majority World Images for sale on www.autograph.media .
July 2015
Challenges facing multimedia development in the Majority World
Multimedia story teller, activist, teacher Shahidul Alam the chairman of Majority World talks to D. J. Clark about the challenges facing multimedia development in the Majority World.
March 2015
The Borders of the Global Village
The world has watched the Arab Spring unfold, watched social networks and the ways in which they are censored in China and Iran. But what about regions that fall under the international media's gaze less often, where the Internet is still in its infancy? What role do technological development, a society's self-image and its level of education play in the spread of the Internet?
February 2015
On the occasion of the 28th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, IDLO and Majority World have partnered on a photo exhibition that explores crucial issues linked to the rule of law, human rights and development. From gender equality and indigenous rights, to energy poverty and land tenure, the images reveal the human side of justice and the importance of the rule of law in everyday life.
November 2014
Majority World Photographer ‘Munem Wasif’, an eminent documentary photographer will be at ‘Breaking Barriers’ an event organised by TEDxDhaka. He has been represented by Agence Vu in Paris since 2008. Wasif has won several awards, including the City of Perpignan Young Reporter's Award at Visa pour l’image, Prixpictet commission and the F25 Award for Concerned Photography from Fabrica.
August 2014
Majority World Photography Exhibition in Dubai
Majority World will present a group exhibition of photographs by six immensely talented individuals. The event is in collaboration with Gulf Photo Plus.
June 2014
Majority World Photographer A.M. Ahad Wins National Headliner Award in USA
The 80th National Headliner Award winners were announced this week honoring the best journalism in newspapers, photography, radio, television and online. The awards were founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City. The annual contest is one of the oldest and largest in the country that recognizes Journalistic merit in the communications industry.
June 2014
The Syngenta Photography Award
The second Syngenta Photography Award is now open for entries and explores the theme of scarcity and waste. The Syngenta Photography Award is a celebration of artistic skill and brilliant photography. The Award invites professional and amateur photographers from all over the world to submit applications in two categories – the Professional Commission and the Open Competition.
June 2014
Featured Photographer - Hassan Ghaedi
Hassan Ghaedi is a documentary, social and freelance photographer from Ahwaz, Iran. He has covered major Assignments such as the Iraq war, Syrian war, and Pakistan and Turkish earthquakes.
May 2014
Yousuf Tushar received the Silver Medal, 2nd Prize in the Travel category for his image 'Praying on the Road'. Majority World congratulates Tushar on this proud achievement.
January 2014
World record attempt for Dhaka street children on seven continents
Majority World global photo agency together with Pathshala South Asian Media Academy and Drik Bangladesh has undertaken to document the “777 Marathon Challenge” which began in King George Island on 26th January 2014.
November 2013
Typhoon Haiyan has destroyed many parts of Philippines. Among the worst hit areas are Leyte, Tacloban, Ormoc and Cebu. Over 3000 people are feared dead and many more missing. In some areas, the dead are still on the streets. People are also begging for food and water as they have not taken anything for days.
November 2013
Shahidul Alam, one of the world's leading photographers and Founder and Chairperson of Majority World, was a special guest this week at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva. Shahidul has worked with UNHCR on a number of occasions including the Bangladesh publication, Birthpangs of a Nation, which was awarded the Book of the Year 2012 at the Asian Publishing Convention in Malaysia.
November 2013
Neo Ntsoma featured in Private Life magazine
Majority World photographer ‘Neo Ntsoma’ featured in Private Life magazine – a quarterly digital lifestyle and financial magazine independently written for the wealthy clients of First National Bank’s wealth management and private banking business and its Private Clients.
August 2013
Majority World photographers recently completed a successful photography assignment campaign for Intel Corporation USA. The assignment was carried out to document Intel's CSR projects in 8 countries around the world. Honduras, Guatemala, Haiti, Poland, Kenya, Hong Kong, India & UK were the countries visited.
June 2013
You can purchase online at Majority World!
Majority World is thrilled to announce its online payment facility effective on its website now. The gateway accepts all VISA, Master, JCB and Maestro Credit Cards worldwide.
June 2013
Photographic images changing society. A one-day programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks and multimedia screenings on the theme of photography for social change..
May 2013
Come meet us at Fotofringe 2013 on April 24 at Kings Place, London
Fotofringe is a single-day, annual networking event for professional image users & image suppliers. Majority World will be there all day showing off of our image collections.
May 2013
The EWS Quarters in Ejipura, central Bangalore, provides subsidized housing for poor families which would be rightfully owned by residents through a lease-cum-sale agreement.
December 2012
Nurun Nahar Nargish wins international
Nurun Nahar Nargish, Graduate of Pathshala South Asian Media Academy, Library Assistant at the Drik Picture Agency and contributing photographer to DPA and Majority World, produced the Winning Entry for the Bread of the World’s Christmas card.
July 2012
Insider, Outsider? exhibition at Drik Picture Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka photography lovers got the opportunity to see Majority World’s exhibition Insider, Outsider?, a photography exhibition that challenges perceptions of the developing world.
July 2012
In partnership with The Guardian, Majority World is showcasing a selection of intimate images captured by talented local photographers from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
June 2012
Developments at Majority World
Recent months have seen a period of rapid change at Majority World. Our mission to create an innovative social enterprise aimed at finding and supporting talented photographers from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East remains at the heart of what we do
March 2012
Majority World announces publishing partnership with Skira International
Majority World has joined forces with Skira International Publishing -the highly respected Italian publishing house in Milan-to publish and distribute internationally our first MAJORITY WORLD ALMANAC 2012 celebrating stunning images by photographers from the developing world.
December 2011
Majority World featured on La Lettre de la Photographie!
Majority World was recently reviewed on La Lettre de la Photographie in its new column "7 days of agencies" featuring some of the most compelling work by photo agencies worldwide.
November 2011
Majority World at the 9th Bamako Encounters
Shahidul Alam, Chairman and International Ambassador, and Marcia Chandra, Photography and Programme Manager, will be attending this year’s Bamako Encounters - African Photography Biennial in Mali. The event features an exciting selection of African photographers and invited industry professionals. For information or to arrange a meeting please contact marcia@majorityworld.com.