Shahidul Alam is a Bangladeshi photographer, activist and institution builder. In 2018 he was put in a Bangladeshi jail for speaking truth to power by openly criticizing the government of Bangladesh for its ruthless suppression of student protests. The worldwide call for Shahidul's release galvanized his position not only as a photographer but also as a champion for the powerless. Following his arrest Time magazine included Shahidul in its list of Persons of the Year, 2018.

Shahidul Alam is the founder of Chhobi Mela - the international photography exhibition, DRIK - a photo agency,  and Pathshala - a photography school. All are based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.