SOPA 2025-honoured, award-winning Rohingya journalist, photographer, documentary storyteller, and field fixer

Based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Zonaid has documented Rohingya lives since 2017 and supports the next generation of community storytellers.

Mohammed Zonaid is a SOPA 2025-honoured, award-winning Rohingya freelance journalist, photographer, documentary storyteller, and field fixer based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Since 2017, he has been documenting and reporting on the Rohingya crisis, forced displacement, human rights, migration, trafficking, and humanitarian issues, working with international and regional media outlets.

Alongside his journalism, Mohammed works to strengthen Rohingya-led storytelling and community media. He is the Media and Communications Lead at Rohingya Film School, where he supports Rohingya youth through photography, videography, and documentary filmmaking. Through training, mentorship, and practical storytelling opportunities, he helps young Rohingya develop the skills and platforms they need to document their communities and tell their own stories.

His work combines journalism, visual storytelling, community engagement, and field experience, with a focus on ensuring that Rohingya voices and perspectives are represented directly and authentically.