Imperial event celebrates photojournalism talent in Dhaka
The “Imperial Photojournalists Appreciation Awards 2026” were held in Dhaka on Saturday evening, recognising outstanding contributions to photojournalism from Bangladesh and Nepal.
The event took place at the Imperial Hotel International and was organised by the Photojournalism Appreciation Award 2026 Celebration Council. A total of 37 photojournalists were honoured, including 27 from Bangladesh and 10 from Nepal.
State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin attended the event as chief guest. Among the special guests were Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal in Dhaka, and Arshad Hosein, Managing Editor of The New Nation and Sports Editor of Kriralok. Other distinguished attendees included senior journalists and AKM Mohsin, President of the Bangladesh Photojournalists Association.
The event was presided over by organising committee chairman Moshiur Rahman Suman, who is also Managing Director of Imperial Hotel International, while Shahariar Islam Sovan hosted the programme.
In her remarks, Farzana Sharmin described the initiative as unprecedented in Bangladesh and thanked the organisers for their efforts. She encouraged the organisation of international-level competitions in the future and assured full government support.
Addressing the event, Arshad Hosein said: “Photojournalism is not merely a profession; it is a responsibility. Every frame they capture carries stories of hope, struggle, pain, and resilience.
Our photojournalists have consistently shown extraordinary commitment, often risking their own safety to bring these stories to the world.”
A special recognition was awarded to veteran Reuters photojournalist Rafiqur Rahman for his 57 years of contribution to the field.
A 10-member delegation from Nepal, led by Pradeep Raj Onta, President of the National Forum of Photojournalists Nepal, also attended the event. Ten Nepali photojournalists received special recognition for their contributions.
The ceremony concluded with a cultural programme and dinner, bringing together media professionals from both countries in a celebration of visual storytelling and journalistic excellence.
