Pride of Bangladesh: Pinu Rahman Wins $200,000 HIPA Grand Prize in Dubai

Bangladeshi photographer Pinu Rahman has been awarded the prestigious $200,000 Grand Prize at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) for a profoundly moving image capturing familial resilience amidst devastation in Dhaka. The award was presented by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a ceremony held at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on 10 November 2026.

The winning photograph, which has captivated the international photography community, depicts a family sleeping within the surviving concrete walls of their home in Korail, one of Dhaka's most densely populated informal settlements. The image was taken in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire that razed more than 1,500 houses, leaving a trail of destruction that starkly contrasts with the enduring bonds of kinship portrayed in Rahman's lenswork. This powerful visual narrative of endurance amidst extraordinary hardship resonated deeply with the jury, securing the top honour in a competition themed 'Family'.

The milestone 15th edition of the HIPA awards, held under the theme 'Family', celebrated photography’s unique ability to preserve cultural narratives and tell stories that transcend borders. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries and leading figures from the global photography community, distributed a total of $1 million across various categories and Special Awards. In his address, Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, noted the award's growing legacy, stating that the organisation's photographic archive has now expanded to over one million images contributed by more than half a million photographers from 209 countries.

Speaking to journalists at the event, Daily Dazzling Dawn learned that the awards aim to recognise exceptional talent and achievements in photography worldwide, fostering a deeper appreciation for the visual arts. Rahman's Grand Prize win places him at the pinnacle of this global community, highlighting the significant contributions of Bangladeshi artists to international visual storytelling.

Beyond the Grand Prize, Sheikh Mohammed honoured the recipients of HIPA’s Special Awards, recognising individuals whose work has made a lasting impact. The Appreciation Award was presented to Japanese photographer Kazuyoshi Nomachi, whose five-decade career has documented remote communities and spiritual traditions, earning his work descriptions as 'a valuable record of humanity and the land'.

The Content Creator Award went to Syrian photographer Ali Mohamad for his work in bridging advanced technology and visual arts across the Arabic-speaking world. French photojournalist Véronique de Viguerie received the Photographer of the Year Award for her distinguished career documenting lives affected by oppression and conflict, bringing international attention to communities in the world’s most difficult circumstances.

Pinu Rahman accepts the grand prize from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Photo: Dubai Media Office/X

The competition also highlighted excellence across specific genres. In the 'Family' category, Emirati photographer Hamid Obaid Al Ali secured first place, followed by Saudi photographer Nawaf Alosaimi and Indian photographer Subhajit Datta. The 'Dreams Through AI' category, exploring artificial intelligence as a medium for artistic expression, saw New Zealand-based Chi Hui Tang take first place.

Other notable winners included Palestinian photographer Yousef Alzanoon, who won first place in the 'Portfolio' category, and Chinese photographer Hongbin Wu, who topped the 'Sports Photography' category. The 'General' categories recognised Slovak photographer Filip Hrebenda (Colour) and Australian photographer Jono Allen (Black and White) for their distinctive artistic perspectives.

Pinu Rahman’s victory is not merely a personal triumph but a national milestone for Bangladesh, showcasing the power of storytelling through the lens of a photographer dedicated to illuminating the human condition in its most vulnerable and resilient forms. His work stands as a testament to the universal language of photography, which, as demonstrated at the HIPA awards, has the power to resonate across borders and cultural divides.