Bishwa Ijtema Photography Tour
Welcome to the Bangladesh Biswa Ijtema Photography Tour. Biswa Ijtema is one of the largest Muslim gatherings in the world, where thousands of devotees come together for spiritual devotion. From mass prayers on open roads to the emotional Akheri Munajat, and the sight of thousands returning home by train every moment offers powerful storytelling opportunities. During this 12-day photography journey, you will explore much more of Bangladesh. We will visit rural villages to capture authentic daily life, travel to Cox’s Bazar to photograph fishermen at sea, and spend time in brick kilns documenting workers’ lives. In Dhaka, we will photograph dockyard workers, rice drying under the sun, and vibrant cloth villages. This tour promises unique cultural experiences and unforgettable photographic moments.
- Tour Highlights
- Dhaka Shipyard , Floating boats
- Aluminum Factories & Candle Lights Festival
- Fields of red
- Fish Market, Railway Station , Rural Colours
- Batik Village
- Fishing at World’s Longest sea beach.
- Traditional Brick Factories
- Dry Fish Market, Salt field, Sampan Boat
Trip Date
Date: 13-26 February 2027,
2028 and 2028
Duration: 14 Days 13 Nights
Extension: 2-5 days extension available
Extension: More details
Tour Type & Group
Skill Level
Physical Fitness
Day 01 : Arrival in Dhaka
Welcome to Bangladesh.
After arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka an important team member of Bengal photo Tour will welcome you at the airport. upon your arrival, you will be greeted with a warm and personalized welcome, followed by a comfortable transfer in a private. Vehicle to your carefully selected, pre-booked hotel as outline in the itinerary. After completing the check-in process, a dedicated representative from Bengal photo Tour will assist you with purchasing a local SIM cand and exchanging USD dollars. Throughout your journey, our team will remain at your service, providing seamless Support for any additional requirements to ensure a smooth and Luxurious travel experience. Following this, you will be introduced. to Mr. Tanmoy das, a key representative of Bengal photo tour and your dedicated, tour guide. He will lead a comprehensive and insightful briefing, thoughtfully outlining the vision , flow, and artistic focus of the photography tour. Upon completion of the briefing, you will embark on a carefully curated street photography experience around Dhaka Capturing the city’s dynamic life, culture, and timeless moments under professional guidance.
Day 02 : Dhaka Shipyard in Bangladesh
After breakfast, we’ll wander through the bustling lanes of traditional Old Dhaka, a city steeped in centuries of history. The city of old Dhaka is centered around the Burigang River.
Here, Sight along the riverbank, countless boats lie at anchor, resembling a floating festival of water lilies upon the heart of the river. Dhaka’s largest shipyard in situated in old Dhaka. An you arrive at the dockyard by boat, you can witness a wide range of activities there. you will see the huge Skeletons of old Ships, Ship breaking, Ship repair work, and a vast collection of facilities for manufacturing welded ship components. More than fifteen thousand workers are employed in this Shipyard.
Photoshoot : Floating boats, Shipyard workers, Ship making, repairing, riverside lifestyle , Country boat.
Day 03 : Bishwa Ijtema
Bishwa Ijtema is one of the largest Muslim religious gatherings in the world. Muslims from different countries come together to take part in this sacred congregation. Millions of people gather with the same intention—to strengthen their faith and devotion to Islam. This three-day spiritual event focuses on Islamic teachings, discussions on faith, moral values, and religious education. Special sermons and lessons are delivered to guide Muslims toward a better and more disciplined life according to Islam. The Jumu’ah prayer is performed on Friday, and the event concludes with the Akhiri Munajat, a heartfelt collective supplication seeking peace, forgiveness, and blessings for all of humanity.
Day 04 : Fish Market , Rural Colours under open Sky, Brick factory & Crossing the river by boat.
Fish Market : In the morning we will go to the local fish market. Various types of fish are brought to the market by river from dawn fresh fish for customers.
Rural colours under open sky : After that we will go to a dycing center. Here various activities of the workers can be seen. within this vibrant space, skilled artisans engage in a variety of meticulous processes. As an essential foundation of fine garment production, vast roolls of fabric are infused with rich pigments, transformed by expert hands into an exquisite Spectrum of colors. The freshly dyed textiles, Still glistening with moisture, are carefully carried to an open expanse , where they are laid out beneath the golden warmth of the Sun to dry naturally. This setting offers a mesmerizing visual experience a graceful interplay of light and colour , where rows of drying fabrics create a breathtaking tapestry that captivates every visitor.
Brick factory : After finishing our morning photoshoot, we will head to an exciting place. For instance, workers at the brickfields begin their. labor even before sunrise. Men and women work side by side from morning until evening. Some are busy preparing the clay mixture, while others carry it to be shaped into bricks. In this way, one stage of work follow another in a continuous process. If you visit this place, you will also see the railway station, the local fish market people activists, and many more scenes of everyday life.
Last Photo Shoot, Passenger Crossing the river by boat .
Day 05 : The Akheri Munajat (the Final Prayer)
The Akheri Munajat (the Final Prayer) is one of the most significant and emotional spiritual gatherings in the Muslim world. It marks the conclusion of the Bishwa Ijtema, the second-largest congregation of Muslims after Hajj, held annually on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi, Bangladesh. The term “Akheri Munajat” comes from Arabic and Persian origins, meaning “The Final Supplication.” It is a collective prayer where millions of devotees raise their hands in unison, seeking divine blessings, forgiveness, and global peace.
Day 06 : Fields of red : Drying Bangladesh winter quilts and Sunlight over colorful yarn.
After finishing breakfast, we will depart in the early hours of the morning for a neighboring city near Dhaka. Traveling in comfort by private car, the Journey will lead us toward the serene country side. Upon arrival, a breathtaking sight awaits us- an expansive field where a rich red Carpet unfolds gracefully amid endless shades of lush green, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury and natural beauty. Hundreds of meters of bright red fabrics are laid out in rows across a field. To the locals known as it’s “Lal Shalu”. long red cloths are set out to dry under the hot sun, having been dyed with bright red colour. The use of sunlight to dry out the fabrics reduces production costs as it is cheaper and more sustainable. The eco-friendly drying method spans across an area equal to 5 football fields and takes up to 6 hours to complete after being placed by workers at sunrise.
Day 07 : Rural village peddy field & Rice drying process workers activities and Batik Village.
Rice drying workers activities : Our journey this morning will take un toward the north-eastern part of Dhaka. From Dhaka we will travel a long route to reach our destination. After finishing breakfast, we will set out early in the morning for our assigned location.
Upon arrival, we will observe the processing of raw paddy, including drying, processing and storage. To ensure high-quality rice and enable long-term preservation, the paddy in dried in several stages under bright sunlight in open arears beside the rice mill. As daylight fader, the rice in carefully covered and stored in large bamboo structures.
Batik Village :
After finishing the rice mill photo shoot, we will enter another colorful destination. Here, women and men dye cloth using traditional methods to create various types of handmade designs such as batik, tie-dye, etc wet cloths mixed with dye are taken out to an open to dry in the sun. this method is used to set the color. When these colorful clothes are left to dry on Bamboo racks or in the open field, it becomes a sea of colors . You can take a variety of aesthetic photos here using a Drone or a Camera.
Day 08 : Sunset and the Sampan (moon boat)
After finishing breakfast in the morning. we will take some rest in the hotel room. Then. taking our camera, bags and other necessary items, we will depart form Dhaka airport. We will be flying from Dhaka to cox’s Bazan by domestic light. It will be take us 1 hour 20 minutes to reach.
I will book a 4 star or 5 star hotel in advance.
After reaching the hotel, we will rest for a while and then go out to take pictures of the sunset and the Sampan (moon boat). After ending the photo shoot we will back to the hotel. Then you should be ‘we will have dinner at the hotel.
Day 09 : 1st day in Cox’s Bazar
A new morning has begun for us in Cox’s Bazar today. Cox’s Bazar in the longest sea beach in the world. A variety of people livelihoods are scattered along the shores of this long beach.
We will depart between 6.00 and 6:00 am for an exclusive visit to the country’s largest marine Fishery port and wholesale seafood (fish) market.
As dawn breaks the shoreline in bathed in a warm golden glows, revealing the graceful Rhythm of local fishermen at work. Alongside the morning catch, the laughter and play of children add a charming, celebratory ambiance to the scense.
This captivating early-morning experience offers a collection of truly photogenic moments – perfectly framed for your camera and unforgettable in memory, After capturing these moments for the morning, we will back to the hotel.
Dry Fish : After breakfast, we will rest for a while at the hotel. Then we will explore the largest dry fish village. In these costal dry- fish hamlets, more than 30,000 workers are se engaged in a time-honored craft, with women forming the heart of the workforce.
After the fishermen return from the sea with thein fresh catch, each variety of fish is carefully inspected for quality. The selected fish are then meticulously cleaned befor being artfully arranged in neat row on traditional bamboo racks and raised platforms. Bathed in the. brilliance of the tropical sun, the fish are left to dry naturally an age-old process that blends coastal heritage with the rhythms of the sea.
Day 10 : 2nd day in Cox’s Bazar.
Fishing, Salt field, Sampan Boat in cox’s Bazar we’ll wake up very early today and have Our breakfast. Then we will leave the hotel with the necessary things and drive out. To day we will see a different and charming view of Cox’s Bazar.
In rhythm with the rolling waves of the restless sea, fisherman labor with timeless skill bringing their precious catch ashore.
Along the Sun-Kissed coastline, a vibrant celebration of harvest unfolds, as the bounty of the ocean is gathered in an atmosphere of tradition, Color and coastal charm. As we travel along the scenie, route, elegant crescent-shaped vessels – known as Sampan boats- gracefully come into view. Gently rising and falling with the rhythm of the sea, these boats glide across the open waters, offering a truly enchanting spectacle. Immersed in this serene coastal panorama, we continue our journey toward the timeless landscape of Salt cultivation. Stretching across expansive salt plains, the age-old art of salt making unfolds.
Here, pure Seawater in transformed through a natural evaporation process , marking the first stage of salt production . This traditional practice, guided by sun, water and wind, creates a striking visual harmony, where shimmering reflections capture the quiet dedication and craftramanship of workers -an experience both authentic and refined.
Day 11 : Back to Dhaka, a unseen workers Activities of the River
In the morning after finishing our breakfast, we will pack our necessary things, pack our bags and check out of the hotel. Then we will go to cox’s Bazar Airport. we will reach Dhaka by a specific flight from cox’s Bazar Airport, Upon reaching Dhaka, we will go to Amin Bazar, Saver, when you come here, you will see a gathering of daily wage laborers Bricks, sand and soil arriving by river from different pants of the country are being unloaded from small ships or trawlers. A large number of workers are involved in this process.
Day 12: Green vegetable market, Chicken Market, Recycling Factory, Aluminum Factories & Old Machinery Parts Seller Market.
After finishing breakfast , We will depart in the comfort of our private vehicle. Today’s experience take us to one of the city’s most vibrant and dynamic traditional markets. here, you’ll explore expansive wholesale sections filled with fresh daily vegetables, an impressive fish market showcasing the morning’s finest catch, and a lively chicken trading area. from the early hours, the market comes alive with an energetic atmosphere, rien colors, and authentie local charm – perfect for capturing remarkable Photographs. Following our market visit, we will proceed to a plastic recycling factory. During thin exclusive behind the scenes experience, you’ll observe how used plastic bottlers are carefully collected and transported to a deracinated processing area for recycling. Inside the factory, dedicated men and women work diligently throughout the day,
transforming discarded materials into reusable resources-offering an insightful look into sustainable. Industry practices.
Aluminum factory : One of Bangladesh’s well known In old Dhaka. aluminum factories is situated in jinjira In the morning, after completing breakfast, we will depart from the hotel by car and proceed toward old Dhaka, in the Southern part of the city, to visit the aluminum factory. Upon entering the factory. we will observe there men and women, young and old alike, working together. Withe the break of morning light, the machines come into operation, and the activity continuer uninterrupted from morning until noon. Through the skilled hands of the workers, a wide variety of aluminum household ton utensils are carefully crafted here.
Photo shoot : Aluminum Factories, workers activities etc.
Nawabpur Bolt Market is a place where old vehicle parts are bought and sold. It is a busy and vibrant area with many people, making it an excellent location for street photography.
Photo shoot : Old Machinery Parts Seller Activities & Street Photography.
Double Occupancy: USD 3950/Euro 3400/GBP 2950
Single Occupancy: USD 4550/Euro 3800/GBP 3300
Note: Single travelers’ requests for a double room/double occupancy are subject to availability and the possibility of finding a companion.
Included in the Cost
- English Speaking Professional Photographer Guide.
- 4- Star & 5 -Star Hotel Accommodations.
- Local Transport by Minibus.
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Drinking-Water and soft drinks.
- Local Flight South Bay to Dhaka.
- Airport Pickup on Arrival and Drop on Departure
Not Included in the Cost
- International Flight.
- Visa fee.
- Personal cost & laundry services.
- Gratuities for Photo Guides, and drivers.
- Travel insurance.
- Equipment and baggage insurance.
Type of Equipment:
For this trip, a particular photographic level is not required and it is possible to participate with any equipment. However, we recommend a minimum kit consisting of a digital camera body with interchangeable lenses to obtain the best results: all focal lengths from 18/20 mm to 200mm will be used. It is also advisable to be equipped with a photographic backpack for transporting the equipment. Don’t forget to bring your memory cards, spare batteries, charger, connection cables and a USB stick.
Drone Fly/Shooting:
Drone shooting is allowed on this trip, only a few locations are restricted. Our photo guide is a very experienced drone flyer, and he will inform and help you about it.
Dress Code:
Ladies and gents can wear short or full trousers and T-shirts/full sleeves.
Climate and Temperature:
In the destination areas of the trip, the climate in January is perfect, the best of the year: sun, warm and pleasant days, no rain, possible morning fog. Temperatures between 15-25 *C and 20-25 °C in the hottest hours.
Documentary & Travel Photographer | Photo Tour Leader | Bangladesh
Tanmoy Das is an internationally experienced documentary and travel photographer based in Bangladesh, known for his in-depth visual narratives and long-term photographic projects.
He holds a Diploma in Photography from Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, one of Asia’s most respected institutions for documentary photography. Since 2012, Tanmoy has been professionally engaged in photography, developing a strong visual language rooted in authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and ethical storytelling.
His photographic practice focuses on human rights, climate change and environmental issues, cultural festivals, rural life, and travel photography across Bangladesh. Tanmoy’s work documents the complex relationship between people, tradition, labor, and landscape—often highlighting stories that remain unseen in mainstream media.
With over a decade of professional experience, Tanmoy has worked extensively with government ministries, NGOs, the European Union, and leading commercial organizations in Bangladesh, supplying and publishing images for communication, advocacy, and documentation purposes.
Beyond his photographic work, Tanmoy is also recognized as a professional photography tour leader and mentor, guiding international photographers across diverse regions of Bangladesh. His deep local knowledge, logistical expertise, and ethical access to communities enable visiting photographers to create meaningful and impactful visual stories.
Tanmoy has contributed to and organized national and international award-winning photography initiatives, and continues to collaborate with photographers, editors, and institutions worldwide. His work reflects a constant pursuit of visual excellence, social responsibility, and a deep respect for the human condition.
