Bangladeshi photographer Pinu Rahman wins HIPA, world’s richest photography prize

Bangladeshi photographer Pinu Rahman has been named the grand winner of the prestigious Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA). The award, often dubbed the world's richest photography competition, was established to showcase exceptional photographic work. Rahman's winning image, titled "Under the Same Sky," captures a poignant scene of a family of five sleeping side by side inside the remaining concrete structures of their home in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The fire that destroyed approximately 1,500 dwellings in the city occurred in November 2025. The HIPA's 15th edition was centered around the theme of "Family," in harmony with the UAE's designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family. Ali Bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, explained that the competition aimed to strengthen family bonds, foster social stability, and instill Emirati values in upcoming generations.

The jury found Rahman's photograph resonated deeply, as it not only documented the immediate aftermath of the disaster but also highlighted the family's shared vulnerability, reliance on each other, and determination to persevere despite the ruins around them. By showcasing this intimate family moment amidst the rubble, Rahman transformed a local tragedy into a universal image symbolizing survival, solidarity, and hope.

The award elevates the powerful record of disaster recovery, demonstrating how documentary photography can preserve human dignity and connect local tragedies to global conversations about the importance of family, resilience, and social stability.