Two Bangladesh jail wardens were accused of illegally hunting birds in Barguna, triggering public outrage and demands for strict punishment against law enforcers violating wildlife protection laws.
Bangladesh has secured the top prize in the special category “Human Rights and Environment” at the Wiki Loves Earth International Photo Contest 2025. The contest is organised to support the Wiki 4 Human Rights initiative in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It celebrates the bond between humans and nature while raising awareness of environmental issues.
The winning photograph, taken by Ayman Nakib Badhan, features a group of men ferrying baskets of brinjals across a flooded river on a wooden horse cart. The horse, partially submerged, has only its head and neck above water as it pushes against the strong current. The scene highlights the determination and resilience of rural communities in Bangladesh, where daily life and livelihoods continue despite extreme natural challenges.
Judges praised the photograph for its powerful portrayal of the relationship between humans and nature. Juliana Almeida, an environmental law specialist at UNEP, commented that the angle and colour contrasts are striking and emphasise the inseparability of humans and nature. Susanna Ånäs, a documentarist and photographer from Finland, said the image demonstrates the hardships faced in areas lacking infrastructure and shows how communities and animals depend on stable conditions for survival.
Bangladesh’s success serves as a compelling reminder of the courage and resilience of communities living on the frontlines of climate change and environmental challenges.
This year, over 11,500 images were submitted in the special category. An expert jury comprising biologists, ecologists, human rights and environmental specialists and experienced Wikimedians shortlisted around 200 photographs before selecting the winners. The contest recognised images illustrating human reliance on healthy ecosystems, the effects of pollution and the resilience of communities and wildlife under environmental stress.
Other winning photographs in the category include “Water as Livelihood” from the Philippines by Suiem, “Fishing for Survival” from the Philippines by Herbertkikoy, “Harvesting Balance” from Ghana by Suglo 20, “Homes under Pressure” from Egypt by Mohamed Shokry Algarnosy and “Streets of Waste” from Cameroon by Sid Mbog. The contest also featured subcategories highlighting human impacts on nature and environmental pressures, with winners from Bangladesh, Serbia, Germany, India, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Ghana.
The Wiki Loves Earth International Photo Contest aims to raise awareness and inspire action for nature conservation and responsible human interaction with the environment.
