Mohammed Zonaid
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Rohingya Media Agency,
The Daily Star (Bangladesh),
The Diplomat Magazine,
Inter Press Service,
Malaysiakini,
Frontier Myanmar,
Global Issues,
Myanmar Now
Covers:
The Rohingya crisis, the Rakhine conflict, and issues in Myanmar related to human rights, politics, refugee , humanitarian , trafficking, livelihoods, environmental, women, and education.
Doesn't Cover:
Sports, business, and film industry–related issues.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was working as a fixer and translator for international media outlets, helping reporters gain access to Rohingya communities in the refugee camps. I facilitated interviews, translated stories, and provided critical context, which eventually led to my work as a photojournalist and writer documenting the Rohingya crisis.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I never had a chance to use typewriter.
How is social media changing news?
I wish to be followed by global human rights organizations, journalists, and influencers who are dedicated to refugee issues and social justice. Their support could amplify the voices of the Rohingya, shed light on our ongoing struggles, and rally people who genuinely care about the Rohingya crisis.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favorite fictional journalist is Clark Kent — not just because he’s Superman, but because he symbolizes the idea that journalism itself can be heroic. Even without superpowers, the role of a journalist is about uncovering truth, protecting the vulnerable, and holding power accountable. That resonates deeply with me as someone who wants to amplify the voices of the Rohingya and others who are silenced.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means serving as a truth-seeker and storyteller, documenting events and giving a voice to those whose stories need to be heard. It involves a responsibility to report with integrity, accuracy, and fairness, while holding power accountable and informing the public.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer pitches that are clear, focused, and human-centered—highlighting real people and their stories rather than just statistics or jargon.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a DSLR camera for photography, Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for editing, and Final Cut Pro for video work. For writing, I rely on Google Docs and Word, while social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter help share my stories. Messaging apps like WhatsApp , signal and Telegram are also essential for communication.
What's your favorite social network?
My favorite social network is Instagram, as it allows me to share powerful visuals and connect with a global audience, raising awareness about the Rohingya crisis through photography.
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish to be followed by global human rights organizations, journalists, and influencers who are dedicated to refugee issues and social justice. Their support could amplify the voices of the Rohingya, shed light on our ongoing struggles, and rally people who genuinely care about the Rohingya crisis.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist to give a voice to the Rohingya people, document our struggles, and raise global awareness about our fight for justice and dignity.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not have the opportunity to work for a high school newspaper due to the difficult circumstances I faced growing up in Myanmar. Education was limited for the Rohingya, and I had to focus on survival rather than formal schooling. However, my passion for storytelling and documenting my community's struggles led me to journalism later in life.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I’m most proud of documenting the daily struggles and resilience of Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, sharing their untold stories of survival, hope, and the fight for dignity and justice.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice to aspiring journalists is to stay curious, be persistent, and prioritize accuracy and integrity. Learn from real-world experiences and embrace new tools and platforms to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is during official working hours, typically in the morning or early afternoon. I am more focused and responsive during these times, allowing me to give your pitch the attention it deserves.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever received was one that spoke directly to the urgency of the Rohingya crisis. It wasn’t filled with jargon or statistics alone — it connected the struggle to real human lives, with dignity and pain that could not be ignored. That pitch reminded me that the most powerful stories are the ones that not only inform but compel people to take responsibility and act for justice.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever received was one that lacked any clear focus or relevance to my work. It was vague, with no solid details, and didn't connect to the issues I cover, like the Rohingya crisis. A pitch that isn't well-thought-out or tailored to the journalist's beat often misses the mark.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m most likely out with my camera documenting life in the refugee camps.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Aside from my own work, my favorite publications to read are Reuters and AFP, especially for their in-depth coverage of human rights issues and global crises like the Rohingya situation and others.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about my beat is that the Rohingya crisis is a past event. Many people think that the situation has been resolved, while in reality, the Rohingya continue to face ongoing displacement, human rights abuses, and uncertainty. The crisis is far from over.
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