Pathshala - The South Asian Institute of Photography was established in Dhaka in 1998 to fulfil the long felt need for providing institutional education in photography in the region. In drawing up the programme, emphasis has been placed on inculcating professional rigour without compromising on creativity or passion. Recognising that a vibrant and responsible media is crucial to a country's development, the school places particular emphasis on photojournalism. The institute is based in Bangladesh (Dhaka), where the most significant gains in photography have already taken place. With a visiting faculty consisting of the finest professionals in the world, the school boasts a teaching programme that is second to none. Students have won major international awards (World Press Photo, Asahi Shimbun, National Geographic All Roads Contest etc.) and take on assignments for the most prestigious international publications (Time Magazine, Newsweek). Within a short period, Pathshala has established itself as a regional centre for excellence in photography, attracting students from India, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and Zimbabwe.

“I would be hard pressed to name a single university, a single institute of higher learning anywhere in the world where there was the chance for a small group of students to work with as many talented masters in the field of photography as is fast becoming a norm here in Bangladesh.”

Rob Mountfort Picture Editor Asiaweek at the opening of the World Press Photo Exhibition in Dhaka, 10th December 1999

Affiliated to:

Bolton University (UK), the Danish School of Journalism and Sunderland University (UK).