G.M.B. AKASH | PHOTOGRAPHER

" Today, I count myself blessed, having become a photographer. To be able to articulate the experiences of the voiceless, to bring their  identity to the forefront, gives meaning and purpose to my own life "

Akash’s journey to the world of photography began long ago. For years he has been travelling widely, covering various social issues faced by the lesser known people, particularly in his country Bangladesh. Through his lens, Akash has told countless poignant tales of the socially isolated groups, which has undoubtedly made him one of the most acclaimed photographers from Bangladesh.

He has received more than 60 international awards from all around the world and his work has been featured in over 50 major international publications including: National Geographic, Vogue, Time, Sunday Times, Newsweek, Geo, Stern,Der Spiegel, The Fader,Brand Ein, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Colors, The Economist, The New Internationalist, Kontinente, Amnesty Journal, Courier International, PDN, Die Zeit, Days Japan, Hello, and Sunday Telegraph of London.

In 2002 he became the first Bangladeshi to be selected for the World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass in the Netherlands. In 2004 he received the Young Reporters Award from the Scope Photo Festival in Paris, again being the first Bangladeshi to receive the honour. In 2005 he was awarded Best of Show at the Center for Fine Art Photography’s international competition in Colorado, USA. In 2006 he was awarded World Press Photo award and released his first book “First Light”.

In 2007 again he became the first Bangladeshi to be selected for the 30 Emerging Photographers (PDN 30) by Photo District News Magazine, USA.

He won the 7th Vevey international photography grant from Switzerland in 2009. In 2009, Akash wins the international ‘Travel photographer of the year ‘title from the international travel photographer of the year competition ( TPOY 2009 ), the most prestigious award in travel photography. UK

He was one of the speakers in the fifth Global Investigative Journalism Conference held at Lillehammer, Norway in 2008 and in TEDxOporto 2011 in Portugal.

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All images © G.M.B. AKASH