We are thrilled to announce the winners and finalists of the 2024 Rohingyatographer Photo Awards, a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and imagination of the Rohingya refugee community. The Awards Ceremony and Exhibition, held on 22 September at the Tika in the refugee camps, brought together 63 talented photographers who submitted their work under the theme "Creativity & Innovation." Their photos offer a powerful glimpse into the daily lives of the Rohingya people, highlighting the unique ability to find beauty, joy, and hope amidst hardship.
The call for submissions, which ran from March 15th to May 31st, 2024, invited the community to capture moments that reflect the enduring spirit of creativity and innovation. We asked participants to share scenes that told the story of hope, dreams, art, education, and culture, despite the constraints of life in the refugee camps. From the 933 submissions, the jury shortlisted a stunning collection of images that not only document life in the camps but also highlight the incredible resourcefulness and imagination of the Rohingya people.
Meet the Winners
This year, we are proud to recognise three outstanding photographers who captured the essence of our theme, "Creativity & Innovation." These winners were selected by an esteemed panel of judges for their powerful storytelling and unique perspectives.
Hafizu Rahman
Hafizu Rahman’s winning photograph captures a group of children engaged in a delicate art project, knitting together flowers with their hands. The image celebrates the power of creativity and teamwork, with the jury praising the intense focus on the children's faces and the shared sense of purpose that unites them. This picture beautifully reflects the themes of imagination, collaboration, and resilience.
Jaitun Ara
In her poignant photograph, Jaitun Ara portrays a child studying within the dark frame of his shelter, having "escaped" to his neighbor's home to find a place to learn. The image's creative composition, with light cutting through the shadows, symbolizes the boy’s quest for knowledge amidst adversity. The jury admired the symbolism, perspective, and the hope that emanates from this deeply moving image.
Md. Zubair
Md. Zubair’s photograph captures the joyous moment of a young boy blowing a giant bubble, surrounded by other children filled with curiosity and wonder. The bubble, a symbol of fleeting hopes and dreams, evokes an imaginative world where possibilities are endless. The jury celebrated this photograph for its playfulness, creativity, and ability to spark the imagination of both children and viewers alike.
Finalists: Honouring Remarkable Talent
In addition to our winners, we are proud to recognise the following 10 finalists whose photographs stood out for their artistic vision and storytelling:
Mizana None
Mizana None’s image depicts a 13-year-old girl sitting on a red chair, deeply absorbed in her studies. The chair serves as a creative solution in the absence of a table, symbolizing the girl’s resourcefulness and determination. The jury admired the way the photograph reflects education as a pathway to hope, creativity, and personal growth.
Mijanur Rahman
Mijanur Rahman’s photograph of three young boys playing with a handmade car highlights the ingenuity of the children, turning everyday scraps into a source of entertainment. The image reflects movement, development, and resilience, showcasing how play fosters both creativity and joy despite limited resources.
Abul Kalam
Abul Kalam’s photograph from the 2017 Rohingya refugee exodus shows a father carrying his two children in baskets balanced on a pole. This striking image portrays both the hardship of flight and the ingenuity required to transport loved ones to safety. The jury commended the photo for its emotional depth and creativity.
Saiful Shohag
Saiful Shohag captures a young boy spinning a top (latim) on his thumb, a beautiful portrayal of imagination and playful creativity. The jury appreciated the image’s simplicity and the boy’s focus, transforming a moment of play into a symbol of balance and hope.
Anuwar Sadek
In a close-up shot, Anuwar Sadek presents a young Rohingya boy proudly holding his self-made kite. The image is filled with the child’s cheerful curiosity and creativity, reflecting the emotional significance of play and its connection to the memories of home. The jury appreciated the boy’s inquiring expression and the imaginative nature of the composition.
Maung Anjis
Maung Anjis tells the story of Majida, a divorced mother dedicated to securing a better future for her young son. The photograph, taken through the frame of a net, beautifully captures the barriers Majida faces and her unwavering hopein the power of education. The jury praised the atmospheric composition and the touching depiction of a mother’s resilience.
Nur Begum
In her photograph, Nur Begum captures the artistry of a skilled Rohingya musician as he tunes his harmonica, seen through the circular frame of a tambourine. This imaginative composition emphasizes the power of music as a form of emotional and creative expression, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Sadek Husein
Sadek Husein’s image of a fisherman casting his net from above is a dynamic and creative portrayal of a daily act of survival. The motion and skill of the fisherman, combined with the imaginative angle of the photograph, captivated the jury, making this a standout portrayal of resourcefulness and perseverance.
Ro Alfas Khan
Ro Alfas Khan’s photograph of a young boy playing at a water tap, his reflection mirrored in the water, offers a creative and poignant portrayal of a moment of curiosity. The jury praised the photograph for its inventive composition and for provoking the viewer to imagine the world through the child’s eyes.
Mohamed Yakub
Mohamed Yakub’s photograph of boys playing with a pyramid of cans by the roadside shows how children find imaginative ways to create joy and play even in the most restricted spaces. The jury commended the creativity and collaboration captured in this simple yet powerful image.
Celebrating Creativity and Innovation
The 2024 Rohingyatographer Photo Awards served as a powerful reminder that even in the most restricted environments, creativity and innovation thrive. Through their lenses, these talented photographers have captured moments of resilience, hope, and joy, reflecting the enduring spirit of the Rohingya refugee community.
We congratulate all of the winners and finalists for their exceptional work and thank every participant who submitted their photos. Together, you have provided a window into the lives of the Rohingya people, showcasing the power of creativity to inspire and uplift even in the face of adversity.
We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed international jury panel for their time, expertise, and thoughtful selection of the winners and finalists from the 933 submissions we received. Thank you:
Johannes van der Klaauw, former UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh and top Rohingyatographer ambassador
Bashir Ahmed SujaN, Bangladeshi photographer and member of Map Photo Agency
Louise Nora Rommelspacher, author of “Asking the world to see: In/mobilities in refugees’ self-representation through the photography magazine Rohingyatographer”
We also want to offer a heartfelt thank you to our entire edotorial team: Ahtaram Shin, Ro Yassin Abdumonab, Ishrat Bibi, Enayet Khan and Ro BM Hairu for their tireless efforts, specially our founder Sahat Zia Hero who generoulsy provided the prizes and covered the costs of this event through his Nansen Award and Prince Claus Award. And a special acknowledgment goes to David Palazón for his extraordinary work behind the scenes—his dedication and commitment are essential to the success of this project.
Stay tuned for the upcoming edition of the Rohingyatographer, focused on Food & Rohingya Culinary Heritage, and be sure not to miss upcoming exhibitions, workshops, and more. Join our mailing list to stay updated on all future announcements and events.