Shahidul Alam
Photo: Ahmed Arup Kamal
Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Dr. Shahidul Alam, an award-winning photographer, writer, curator, human-rights activist, and director of the Chobi Mela International Photography Festival, was arrested on August 5 over “provocative comments” on social media shortly after giving an interview about the ongoing protests taking place in Bangladesh.
During his appearance in court the following day, Shahidul appeared to have suffered injuries that prevented him from walking on his own. He reportedly stated that he was beaten while in detention.
Sources indicate that Shahidul is expected to be charged under Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act for his online comments. His arrest comes in the wake of his commentary on social media and in interviews regarding student protests taking place in Dhaka.
Shahidul is a close friend and has been a member of IBA since its inception. He is a respected peer and influential figure whose contributions to photography and society have had a global impact. His sudden abduction and arrest bring to light a violation of human rights and the growing suppression of the freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
The International Biennial Association (IBA) denounces the extreme measures and reasons given to justify the arrest of Shahidul and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. IBA also calls for Bangladeshi authorities to practice fair treatment, to ensure his well-being and to prevent further mistreatment while in custody.
On behalf of the International Biennial Association (IBA),
Executive Board Members
- Hoor Al Qasimi, President of IBA, President of Sharjah Art Foundation
- Bige Örer, Vice President of IBA, Director of Istanbul Biennial
- Sally Tallant, Vice President, Director of Liverpool Biennial
Board Members
- Alisa Prudnikova, Commissioner of the Ural Industrial Biennial
- Elke aus dem Moore, Director of Akademie Schloss Solitude
- Eriko Osaka, Executive Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for Yokohama Triennale
- Gabriele Horn, Director of the Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art
- Margarita Gonzalez Lorente, Vice Director of Wifredo Lam Contemporary Art Center and Havana Biennial
- Sunjung Kim, President of Gwangju Biennale Foundation
- Sylvie Horn, independent curator and writer
- Yongwoo Lee, Executive Director of Shanghai Project
