A member of RPS | Photographer | Storyteller| Videographer | Editor| Visual Storyteller| Documentary Photographer
By Md Riduwan
Edited By ~ Hubaib Chowdhuy
Md Riduwan was born on 14 October 2008 in Pembay Chaung Village, Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. He was born into the Rohingya community, whose history, culture, identity, and ancestral roots are deeply connected to the land of Arakan.
My Beginning – Where My Story Started
Myanmar is where my life began. It is the place of my birth, my roots, my identity, and my earliest memories. I spent part of my early childhood there and experienced the beginning of my education at school Although I was very young, the place where I was born and the memories connected to my homeland remain an important part of who I am.
In 2017, my life took a different direction. Amid violence and persecution against the Rohingya people, my family and I were forced to leave Myanmar and seek safety in Bangladesh.
Leaving my birthplace meant leaving behind the place where I was born, my childhood surroundings, and the life I had known. Like many other Rohingya families, we arrived in Bangladesh and began a new chapter in Cox’s Bazar.
Growing up in a refugee environment has been a different experience. Life in displacement brings limitations and challenges, but education has remained an important part of my life.
I continued learning while gradually discovering my interests and thinking about my future. Over time, I became interested in creativity, technology, media, and communication. I did not yet know where these interests would lead me, but they later became important parts of my journey.
On 9 September 2023 – The Beginning of My Visual Journey
One of the most important dates in my personal journey is 9 September 2023. This was the day I began exploring photography, videography and visual storytelling.
My journey started with a simple Android phone. I did not begin with expensive equipment, professional cameras, or advanced technical knowledge. I started with what I had.At first, I was interested in capturing moments around me. Slowly, I began to understand that photography was more than taking pictures. A photograph can communicate emotions, preserve memories, document people’s lives, and tell stories without words.
At first, I was interested in capturing moments around me. Slowly, I began to understand that photography was more than taking pictures. A photograph can communicate emotions, preserve memories, document people’s lives, and tell stories without words.
The Person Who Inspired Me is DW Ibrahim
Every journey has people who help us discover our potential. In my visual journey, one important person who inspired and supported me was my teacher, Md Ibrahim, who is known as DW Ibrahim.
His encouragement and support became meaningful parts of my creative development. Having someone who encourages you to learn, explore, and improve can make a difference, especially when you are just starting. I value the inspiration and guidance I received from him. His role is an important part of my story.
As my interest grew, I became more serious about learning the creative and technical sides of photography. I worked to understand composition, lighting, framing, camera settings, and visual storytelling.
Over time, I also began working with a DSLR camera. This gave me opportunities to explore photography more deeply and continue improving my practical skills and I became more interested in photography, documentary photography, videography, filmmaking, video editing, graphic design, motion graphics, and visual storytelling. I still consider myself a learner, and every project gives me another opportunity to improve.
As my passion developed, I became increasingly interested in documenting the everyday lives of Rohingya people. I want to photograph stories that are often overlooked: the lives of elderly people, children, students, hardworking parents, education, traditions, and the daily realities of refugee life.
“A photograph is more than an image; it is a moment of truth, a voice for the unheard and a memory that time cannot erase.” MD Riduwan says
I believe ordinary people have stories worth telling. A photograph can preserve a moment, communicate an experience, and help others see the human stories behind everyday life.
My Creative Identity – ABCD Production
I am involved in creative work through ABCD Production. it is as a platform through which I can develop photography, videography, documentary production, editing, and visual storytelling.
I want to use creative media to share meaningful stories and encourage young people to explore their creative abilities. I hope to keep learning, creating, and collaborating with others.
My dream is to become a professional photographer and videographer. I want to become a professional photographer, videographer and documentary storyteller, and I want to help Rohingya youth discover their creative potential.
I want to share what I learn with young people who are interested in photography, videography, and storytelling but may not have enough opportunities or resources. I believe talent exists everywhere, and young people deserve opportunities to develop it.
I know my journey is still in progress. there is much more to learn, practise, and achieve. My goals include becoming a professional photographer, videographer and documentary storyteller, developing advanced filmmaking and editing skills, documenting Rohingya history and culture, and supporting young Rohingya photographers and filmmakers.
I want to create meaningful documentaries about my rohingya communities, preserve important stories, and help young people build confidence through creative media.
I do not know exactly where my journey will take me, but I am determined to continue learning and developing my abilities.
My Connection with the Rohingya Photographic Society
I am also a proud member of the Rohingya Photographic Society (RPS), where I connect with fellow photographers, exchange creative ideas, and learn from diverse perspectives. Being part of this growing community inspires me to contribute to preserving Rohingya history, culture, and identity through photography. I aspire to support a new generation of Rohingya photographers and visual storytellers who document their communities with creativity, authenticity, and respect.
Conclusion
My journey as a photographer, videographer, and visual storyteller is still at its beginning. From starting with a simple Android phone to exploring the world of photography and documentary filmmaking, every step has been a valuable learning experience. This journey has taught me that photography is more than capturing beautiful images; it is about preserving memories, sharing untold stories, and giving a voice to people whose experiences are often unheard.
As a Rohingya visual storyteller, I feel a deep responsibility to document my community’s history, culture, identity, traditions, and everyday experiences with honesty, dignity, and respect. Through ABCD Production and my membership in the Rohingya Photographic Society (RPS), I hope to continue developing my creative skills, sharing meaningful stories, and inspiring young Rohingya people to discover their talents in photography, videography, and filmmaking.
I believe every great journey begins with a small step. My dream is not only to become a professional photographer, videographer, and documentary filmmaker but also to help preserve the history and identity of my people for future generations. I want my work to become a meaningful record of our lives, our culture, our struggles, and our hopes.
