Hafizur Rahman: A Rohingya Photographer Telling Stories Through His Lens

By: RO Maung Shwe

Meet Hafizur Rahman, widely known as RB Hafizu, a 26-year-old Rohingya photographer whose life’s mission is to share the untold stories of his community. Originally from Kuwasong Village in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, Hafizur now resides in Camp-2W, part of the sprawling Kutupalong Refugee Settlement in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, along with his family.

A Life Rooted in Prosperity and Displacement

Born to Nurul Hoque and Gul Baher, Hafizur grew up in a respected and prosperous family in his village. His father was a successful businessman, and his elder brother carried on the family’s agricultural ventures. Hafizur started helping with his father’s business at the young age of seven, balancing his work with education. His grandfather, Kabir Ahamed, now 109 years old, remains a living testament to the family’s resilience.

In 2017, Hafizur and his family were forced to flee Myanmar amidst escalating violence in Rakhine State. Leaving behind their stable and prosperous life, they sought refuge in Bangladesh, facing the challenges of starting over in an uncertain environment.

Adapting to Refugee Life

The transition to life in the refugee camp was far from easy. Despite their background, Hafizur’s family struggled to navigate the hardships of camp life. They attempted to establish a small business near their shelter, but restrictions and unstable conditions forced them to shut it down after just a year.

Hafizur’s determination to contribute to his community led him to work with various humanitarian organizations. Starting as a Community Outreach Member (COM) for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 2017, he later served as a Mentor Teacher for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and a Community Health Worker (CHW) with GK-UNHCR. Alongside his professional roles, Hafizur voluntarily teaches children in his neighborhood, fostering hope and education among the youth.

In 2024, Hafizur participated in a caregiving course provided by UNHCR, which significantly enhanced his personal and professional skills. Following this, he began an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) course to further his education and improve his language proficiency.

Championing Rohingya Advocacy

Hafizur’s dedication extends beyond his professional roles. He is an active member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Rohingya Youth Association (RYA) and the Rohingya Youth Advocacy Network (RYAN). In these roles, he works tirelessly to uplift his community and amplify their voices. His skills in video editing and storytelling have also earned him a position with the Rohingya Human Rights Network, where he serves as a professional video editor.

Photography: A Medium for Truth

Hafizur’s passion for photography began with a desire to document the struggles and resilience of his people. Refugee life posed challenges to his craft, but Hafizur overcame them through online and practical training in photography, videography, and video editing. For him, photography is a way to tell the world about the realities of Rohingya life. “Photography isn’t just about capturing moments,” he says. “It’s about telling the untold stories of my community because photos don’t lie. They show the reality of people.”

Each image he captures reflects the daily struggles, hopes, and strength of the Rohingya. Through his lens, Hafizur aims to convey truths that words often cannot express, shedding light on both the challenges and resilience of his people.

Recognition and Motivation

In 2024, Hafizur’s efforts were recognized by Rohingyatographer, an organization celebrating Rohingya photographers. Winning an award for his work not only validated his passion but also inspired him to continue his mission. “This award gave me hope and reinforced my passion,” Hafizur shares.

A Mission Beyond Photography

For Hafizur, photography is not merely a profession but a mission to ensure that the world hears the Rohingya’s story. He believes in preserving the history and culture of his people by documenting their experiences, struggles, and resilience. His work stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Rohingya community.

Hafizur Rahman’s journey—from a prosperous life in Myanmar to a refugee camp in Bangladesh—is a powerful narrative of resilience and hope. Through his humanitarian efforts and photography, he continues to be a voice for his community, ensuring that the stories of the Rohingya people are neither forgotten nor ignored.