Dialogue on ‘Stories of Life in Frames’ held in Ukhiya refugee camp

In the crowded alleys of Kutupalong's One East Rohingya camp, photography has become more than art—it is a voice of survival. 

"I want to show our lives through photos so that the whole world knows how we survive," said Hemayet Ullah, a young resident of the camp, holding his phone with eyes full of hope.

Today (17 September), Hemayet and 29 other young participants — both Rohingya and Bangladeshi — took part in a dialogue titled "Stories of Life in Frames," organised by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie.

The programme, held in Block B of Camp One East in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, began at 11am and was moderated by Mohammad Ibrahim and Yasmin Akter. It featured sessions with photojournalist Jewel Shil and award-winning Rohingya photographer Abdullah, whose journeys and experiences deeply inspired the participants, according to a press release.

"Inside the narrow alleys and crowded shacks of refugee camps lie countless untold stories," said Jewel Shil.

"Words often fall short, but photographs can capture reality more deeply. A picture can move people, spark protest, or make society reflect. That's the power of photography."

He encouraged the youths to use cameras not just for beauty, but as tools to document truth.

Abdullah, himself a refugee, echoed the sentiment: "When I tell my own story of suffering through photographs, it becomes testimony for the outside world. It turns my reality into something people cannot ignore."

His words resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom saw photography as a way to transform pain into testimony and hope.

Throughout the dialogue, participants shared their aspirations. Some dreamed of becoming photographers to capture both hardship and hidden beauty, while others hoped to share their community's stories with the world. Bangladeshi participant Hamid Hossain said he learned not only photography skills but also that "each picture can carry the struggle and voice of human life." Rohingya youth Nur Bashar added that programmes like this help replace despair with hope.

Shihab Zishan, project manager of the Community Communication Skills Development for Social Awareness in Cox's Bazar initiative, said the dialogue reflected the project's vision.

"Our aim is to create a platform where young people can tell their own stories of life, struggle, and hope," he said.

"Bringing Rohingya and local youths together shows they are not just spectators but active partners in change. Photography creates that bridge—a universal language that transcends words. These stories framed in pictures are not only art, but tools of change and hope. We will continue such initiatives to nurture creativity and build mutual understanding."