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Professor Muntassir Mamoon, third from left, along with guests and relatives of Sayeeda Khanam, holds copies of books on the country鈥檚 first woman professional photographer at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka on Friday. | 鈥� 抖阴精品 photo

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.