Travel Photographer of the Year 2009: winner's gallery

This year's competition was won by Bangladeshi photographer GMB Akash. His vibrant and poignant images of rail travel in his home country won unanimous praise from the judges
Photograph: Akash/Travel Photographer of the Year

Dhaka, Bangladesh: Due to overcrowding and extreme poverty, it's common to see free riders occupying the roof of a train, and even the couplings between cars
Photograph: Akash/Travel Photographer of the Year

Bangladesh: “Its no problem. Watch me smoke and pose for you on a moving train,” said Helaluddin. aged 18, who frequently travels on the roof
Photograph: Akash/Travel Photographer of the Year

Bangladesh: Some free riders even manage to sleep on their precarious perch
Photograph: Akash/Travel Photographer of the Year

Yunnan, China: Fishermen cleaning their nets in the early morning by Erhai Lake.
Best single image in the People of the World category, by Johan Ensing, Netherlands
Photograph: Johan Ensing/Travel Photographer of the Year

New Delhi, India: A muslim man prays in a room while pilgrims gather for Thursday night prayers at the Dargah (shrine) of the Sufi Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya.
Runner Up, Portfolio People of the World category, by Karoki Lewis, UK/India
Photograph: Karoki Lewis/Travel Photographer of the Year

Himachal Pradesh, India: A crowd watching a wrestling match at a local fair.
Portfolio - Homeland category winner, by Poras Chaudhary, India.
Photograph: Poras Chaudhary/Travel Photographer of the Year

Japan: Girl on a swing in a neighbourhood park full of cherry blossom in spring.
Best Single Image in a Portfolio category, Special mention, by Kevin Cozma, Canada
Photograph: Kevin Cozma/Travel Photographer Of The Year