Sharif Sarwar

Professional Underwater Photographer and a Guide in Bangladesh Sharif Sarwar's career began in 1997, when he started working as a photojournalist for a national newspaper in Bangladesh. Within a short time, he rose to the top professionally, working for leading media outlets like Daily Prabhat, Daily News Today and Prothom Alo. A significant phase of his career was with Daily Jaya Jaya Din. He served as the Chief Photojournalist of this widely circulated daily until 2009, which indicated his expertise and authority in the national press. His leadership is also reflected in the platform of the Bangladesh Photojournalist Association (BPJA); he served as the elected Senior Vice President of the organisation for the 2017-18 term.

I started underwater photography in February 2012 on St. Martin's Island in Bangladesh. The beginning was very difficult. I didn't know scuba diving, had little knowledge about the ocean and underwater life, and didn't have enough camera equipment. Once I started, I could understand and recognise the ocean well. I couldn't go back. I have spent a long time in thousands of difficulties and have developed myself little by little, and I am still learning.