Bangladeshi photographer Pinu Rahman wins world’s richest HIPA photography prize
Bangladeshi photographer Mr. Pinu Rahman has won the grand prize at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA). Many call HIPA the world’s richest photography competition. This year was the 15th edition of the award.
His winning photograph is called “Under the Same Sky.” It shows a family of five sleeping side by side inside the standing concrete walls of their home in Dhaka. The family lost much of the house in a fire.
A fire in Dhaka in November 2025 destroyed about 1,500 homes. Mr. Rahman took the photo after the fire. It shows more than the damage. It shows how the family stays close, depends on each other and keeps living in the ruins of their neighbourhood.
This year, HIPA chose “Family” as its theme. The theme follows the directive of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who named 2026 the “Year of the Family.” HIPA Secretary General Mr. Ali Bin Thalith said the move aims to strengthen family bonds and support social stability. He said it also aims to teach true Emirati values to future generations.
Mr. Rahman’s image about family and the strength to endure moved the HIPA jury. The award brings global attention to a scene that could have stayed a local tragedy. His photo turns one family’s loss into a message of survival, unity and hope.
Source: Gulf News
