A Bangladeshi photographer has achieved international recognition after winning a prestigious photography competition in Dubai, receiving a grand prize of $200,000 for a powerful image highlighting family love and human resilience.
The photographer, Pino Rahman, received the top award at the 15th edition of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award. The prize is equivalent to approximately AED 734,000.
The award ceremony took place on November 10 at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, where the achievement was celebrated in the presence of international photographers and distinguished guests.
Award-Winning Photograph Highlights Family Strength
Rahman’s winning photograph, titled “Under One Sky,” captures a deeply emotional scene of a family of five sleeping inside the remains of their fire-damaged home.
The photograph was taken in November 2025 following a devastating fire in Korail, a densely populated settlement in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The incident destroyed or damaged approximately 1,500 homes, leaving many families facing difficult living conditions.
Through this powerful image, Rahman highlighted the emotional strength of families who continue to support one another despite poverty, homelessness and destruction.
Photography Captures the Reality of Human Life
The photograph was selected under the competition’s theme of “Family,” reflecting the importance of family relationships, unity and support. The theme also connects with the United Arab Emirates’ designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family.
Interestingly, Rahman works in the cybersecurity department of a bank in Bangladesh, while photography remains his passion. His latest achievement has brought international attention to his creative talent.
He has previously received recognition in photography competitions, but this victory marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Bangladeshi photographer to win the competition’s grand prize.
International Photographers Receive Recognition
This year’s Hamdan International Photography Award distributed a total of $1 million in prize money across different categories.
Photographers from several countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine, were also recognised for their outstanding work.
The competition continues to celebrate photography that documents human experiences, cultural diversity and important social realities.
Rahman’s winning photograph is a reminder that even in the middle of tragedy, family bonds, hope and human resilience can remain strong.
