Rubel Rony is an assistant director of a video production company in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This photograph of a 13 year-old child tannery worker was taken in the leather factory, where Rony was previously employed. The leather industry is the second largest export-earning sector in Bangladesh. Because of corruption, many underage children work in this industry and are exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. Rony discovered that this child had no knowledge about the dangers of the tannery chemicals to his health.
The Allard Prize Photography Competition jury selected this photograph because it highlights the ongoing use of child labour and pervasive unsafe working conditions in many industries. It is a reminder to consumers to think about where and how leather goods may be produced.