Journalist Rafiq Sharkar’s Camera Tells the Story of Nature

Staff Correspondent, Gazipur: The serene village pond, golden paddy fields, the murmur of rivers, or the beauty of the first raindrop in monsoon—all these are gradually fading amidst the noise of the digital age. But preserving these vanishing tales is Rafiq Sharkar from Kaliganj, Gazipur. With a camera in hand and a heart full of love for the country, nature, and people, Rafique has turned his passion into purpose. That passion has been recognized—he emerged as the winner of the videography competition organized by ‘Drishtinondon Kaliganj’.

In the video contest titled “O Amar Desh” (O Soil of My Beloved Country), Rafiq Sharkar portrayed a story where nature, people, and emotions are bound together by an invisible thread. His video beautifully captures the simplicity of rural life in Kaliganj, the breathtaking beauty of nature, and the intrinsic love of people. It’s a story not just to be seen—but to be felt in the heart.

Professionally, Rafiq Sharkar is a journalist. But beyond the boundaries of his profession, the camera becomes a humane weapon in his hands—a tool to preserve every touch of his native soil and culture. Speaking about his feelings after receiving the award, Rafique said, “I want people to watch this video and remember their roots. This nature, these people—they represent our true identity.”

For a long time, the Facebook-based organization ‘Drishtinondon Kaliganj’ has been working to spread a message of creativity among the youth of Kaliganj. Through photos, videos, and stories of nature and culture, they are awakening a sense of responsibility in the new generation. Like Rafiq Sharkar, many young individuals are showcasing their talents through this initiative. The award ceremony itself was unique—held by the riverside, amidst nature, in a festive environment, where the organizers handed over prizes to the winners.

Another notable participant in the competition was Sumon Prodhan. Despite his young age, his video conveyed a powerful message of love and awareness toward society and nature. In the photography segment as well, Drishtinondon Kaliganj discovered creative talents like Tamim Rohan, Topu Raihan, Iliyas Ahmed Tanmoy, Spero Sumaiya, Yunus Ali, Sumon Hossain Saikat, and Rana Afrin—whose photographs vividly brought to life the tales of Kaliganj’s people and nature.

Nurul Islam, the head of the organizing group, said, “We want the youth to know and love their roots, and to do something meaningful for society.”

Thanks to talented individuals like Rafiq Sharkar, ‘Drishtinondon Kaliganj’ is no longer just an online group—it’s becoming a social movement, where stories of nature, culture, humanity, and awareness are woven together.

Local people hope this initiative will spread to remote areas of the country as well, reconnecting youth with their roots, and inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of Rafiq Sharkar.