I began my career as a school teacher in Myanmar, teaching English, physics, and chemistry. However, in August 2017, escalating violence forced me to abandon my university studies and flee to Bangladesh.

My journey to Bangladesh was horrible. I escaped burning and killing and found refuge in paddy fields and forests, surviving on wild weeds. The river crossing felt like an ocean, and I almost drowned. Walking barefoot to the Bangladesh border with my family was an unforgettable nightmare.

When I first arrived at the refugee camp, I had to assist international journalists as a fixer and interpreter. This exposed me to photography,videography and journalism, sparking my interest in documenting the Rohingya community’s life.

Since then, I have transitioned into a freelance role, contributing as a stringer, photographer, videographer, translator, fixer, and writer for various international and local media outlets. These include The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Reuters, BBC, The New Humanitarian, ZDF, Amnesty International, The Asia Foundation, The Telegraph, The New York Times, The Washington Post, ABC, and many others. I am a founding-member of Rohingyatographer and play a crucial role in mentoring younger generations of Rohingya content creators.

In addition to these activities, I actively participate in humanitarian services for the Rohingya crisis in my community. I provide essential support such as food, medical care, education, and shelter. I also assist in emergency situations and address other pressing needs.

Motivated by well-known journalists, I transitioned into photography, finding purpose in capturing my community’s stories. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, I continued my work, covering significant events like the 2021 fire disaster. My photos gained international recognition, leading to assignments on various Rohingya crisis-related topics.

My photojournalism has garnered international praise, and has been featured on high-profile social media and portfolio sites. I emphasize the importance of telling the Rohingya story repeatedly through photography and videography.

I mentor young Rohingya photographers, empowering them to share their perspectives. Through their art, they educate others about the Rohingya experience, ensuring their voices are heard and remembered.

Reflecting on my mission, I emphasize that my camera serves as a conduit for documenting and preserving the narratives of the Rohingya people. My message to aspiring photographers echoes my own journey: “Make the best photos with whatever devices you have. What matters is your effort and imagination to tell impactful stories.”