One of the most talked about photo story at the Chobimela this year was 'A Pause to Breathe' by the upcoming, young Bangladeshi documentary photographer Tapash Paul. His story was based on Dhaka Zoo showcasing his relationship with caged animals.

Photo: Tapash Paul

Connections were created between him and the animals when he would spend long hours at the Dhaka zoo. “At first it was very boring, but eventually I started to connect with the animals," he says. "I could connect to them. Their pain and agony, living in a cage soon became mine, which I tried to portray in my work.” 

Photo: Courtesy

Born in 1986 in Feni, Tapash Paul always had a soft spot for cameras. “I had the privilege of carrying the camera when my family and I went to my father's office picnics,” says Tapash. While studying computers at Apptech in Nowga, Tapash was introduced to a DSLR camera. In 2005 Tapash studied under renowned photographer Chanchal Mahmud. He was also a member of Chanchal Mahmud's 'Group 36', which got him his first two exhibitions at the Goethe Institut and Drik Gallery. “In 2006 I received the grand prize for one of my photos which put me in the limelight and I had the opportunity to come across a lot of big names,” says Tapash. He also worked at a film organisation, Cinearchive and also the BBC as a camera person. Eventually, Taposh earned a BA in photography from Pathshala South Asian Media Institute.