Anwar Hossain (October 6, 1948 – December 1, 2018) was a towering figure in Bangladeshi photography and cinematography, often hailed as the father of modern photography in Bangladesh. Graduating in Architecture from BUET, Anwar chose to pursue his true passion—photography. His career began in 1967, and he went on to become a trailblazer in the Bangladeshi art scene, forever changing the landscape of photography and filmmaking.

Anwar’s contributions to cinematography are equally monumental. He won the prestigious Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Cinematography five times for iconic films such as Sundori(1979), Emiler Goenda Bahini(1980), Puraskar(1983), Anya Jibon(1995), and Lalsalu(2003). Over his career, he worked on 15 feature films and 30 documentary films, producing some of the most memorable imagery in contemporary Bangladeshi cinema.

At a time when photography in Bangladesh was divided between formulaic contest-driven work and second-tier press images, Anwar broke the mold. His compositions were dynamic, provocative, and full of expression, giving voice to his subjects in a way that was unprecedented in the region. His influence drew inspiration from both classical and contemporary western photography, leading to experimentation that pushed the boundaries of Bangladeshi visual arts.

Anwar Hossain’s legacy is not just in his images but in the inspiration he provided to younger generations of photographers. His international acclaim and local fame brought respect to the profession, elevating its status in Bangladesh. Today, his timeless works continue to make an indelible impact, ensuring his place as a legendary figure in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people.